FARMINGTON — Voters in RSU 9 passed a $31 million spending package Monday night for 2014-15 and an adult education budget of $394,218.
The budget will go to voters in each of the 10 towns for a validation referendum Tuesday, June 10.
The school budget is 4.3 percent, or $1.29 million, more than this year’s $29.7 million.
The adult education spending plan reflects a decrease of $98,920 from 2013-14. The decrease is because of a one-time moving cost of about $120,000 in the current budget to move the program to the Mt. Blue Campus.
Most of the 17 articles passed overwhelmingly.
Article 14 was passed in a written ballot, as required by law, by a 92-11 vote. The article asked voters if they would raise and appropriate $1.2 million in additional local funds, which exceeds the state’s essential programs and services funding model by $705,136.
The budget vote took 1¾ hours, with some questions asked. Moderator Ron Aseltine kept the meeting going while also making sure people waited to be called on and that the questions be directed to the moderator.
Farmington resident Elaine Graham had several questions and voted against most articles.
She objected to the district continuing to raise its budget when the state report card for schools did not reflect improved grades. She also objected to the tax assessment because she is a “senior citizen” and there are many of them in the district who cannot afford to pay anymore, she said.
“I don’t want to see my taxes increase,” Graham said. “The increase never stops.”
Wilton resident Darlene Paine, principal of Cape Cod Hill School in New Sharon, said the district spends about $1,000 per student less than state average. The district staff works hard to give students the best education possible, she said.
In addition, she pointed out there was a direct correlation between the lower grades and the number of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch in the district.
When it came time for transportation budget article, school board Director Ross Clair of Chesterville said, “I think we have the best bus drivers in the state of Maine.”
It was also noted by resident Carl Wegner of Wilton that the administration budgets reflected some of the smallest increases in the budget.
The 10 district towns are Chesterville, Farmington, Industry, New Sharon, New Vineyard, Starks, Temple, Vienna, Weld and Wilton.
Revenue projections indicate that the district is anticipating $18.2 million from the state, which is $275,315 less than this fiscal year. The total amount the towns would have to raise if the budget remains the same is $12.29 million for both the K-12 and adult education budgets, according to the district’s information. That amount is up by $1.38 million, partly because the towns need to raise about $200,000 more for three years to get the state’s full education contribution. It is estimated that by 2016-17 the towns need to raise $664,473 overall to meet state law.
dperry@sunjournal.com
Voting times for RSU 9 towns on Tuesday, June 10:
Chesterville: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Town Office
Farmington: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Community Center
Industry: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Town Office
New Sharon: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Town Office
New Vineyard: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Smith Hall
Temple: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Town Hall
Starks: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Community Center
Vienna: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fire Station
Weld: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., all-purpose room, Town Office
Wilton: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Town Office
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