NEW GLOUCESTER — School Administrative District 15 Superintendent Bruce Beasley updated selectmen Monday on the schedule for voting on the 2016-17 budget.
The school board will vote on it May 4 and district residents on May 26. The validation referendum is set for June 14.
The budget is $24.51 million, an increase of $496,991, or 2.07 percent, over this fiscal year’s spending.
Based on estimated revenues, Gray’s share is $9 million, which is $171,175 less than this year; and New Gloucester’s share is $5 million, which is $272 more than this year.
The local allocation received from the state is $9.74 million, an increase of $386,968. Other revenues account for an additional increase of $301,470 over this year.
Also Monday, the board opened five bids for the third phase of the Morse Road Reconstruction project. Staff will make a recommendation to the board before April 14. The bids varied from $41,524 to $766,610.
The board opened five sealed bids for auditing services for the next three years. Staff will review the bids, which ranged from $19,500 to $46,200, and make a recommendation.
Code Enforcement Officer Debra Parks Larrivee and Animal Control Officer Karen Flick updated the board on pending violations.
Selectmen voted to revoke the home occupation permit for Ron Henry at 840 Lewiston Road until the junkyard is cleaned up and outside storage is removed. Larrivee said she has been working since 2013 on the issue with Henry who operates a small engine repair business.
Animal Control Officer Karen Flick has been dealing with Silas and Sandra Leavitt of 52 Maple St., where 59 cats have been taken off the property. However, efforts by Greater Androscoggin County Humane Society to neuter the cats has not been followed through. She will contact the Animal Welfare agent.
Flick said she has had safety problems handling some calls and asked for help from Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department to no avail.
“There are places I shouldn’t go alone,” she said.
“People get emotional about their pets,” Town Manager Paul First said. “The job of animal control officer is very challenging.”
He agreed to find ways to support her efforts.
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