RSU 50 package up 2 percent, impact varies

DYER BROOK, Maine — The RSU 50 school board approved a $9,261,281 budget Monday evening, but has yet to set a date for its informational meeting and referendum.
RSU 50 interim Superintendent John Doe said the budget, which is up $185,565 (about 2 percent) over the previous year, represented the district’s best efforts to maintain current programs, while keeping costs to a minimum.
    Doe said he expects the informational hearing to be held around the first of June, but doubted the district would have time to get the warrant articles on the June 12 ballot.
RSU 50 is a consolidated school district between SAD 25 and CSD 9. It comprises the communities of Crystal, Dyer Brook, Hersey, Island Falls, Merrill, Moro, Mt. Chase, Oakfield, Patten, Sherman, Smyrna and Stacyville.
Changes in town’s valuations will play a big role in how the proposed budget will affect each of the communities. For example, Stacyville saw a major change in its town valuation and as such will see a large decrease in its share this year, while many other towns will see an increase.
The amount to be raised for each community, which is based on state valuations, and the tax impact it will have, is broken down as follows: Crystal, $169,163 (an increase of $2,853); Dyer Brook, $178,640 (up $2,272); Hersey, $41,937 (up $14,105); Island Falls, $782,764 (down $24,018); Merrill, $150,209 (up $701); Moro, $49,426 (up $29,087); Mt. Chase, $337,639 (down $153); Oakfield, $485,140 (up $5,832); Patten, $444,546 (down $17,960); Sherman, $487,331 (up $20,408); Smyrna, $205,866 (down $6,317); and Stacyville, $136,221 (down $135,696).
Unlike last year, RSU 50 will receive more money from the state, but it will also cost more local dollars to receive that funding. According to the Essential Programs and Services allocation, RSU 50 will receive $4,913,555 in state money, which is an increase of $168,606 (3.55 percent) from the previous year. To receive those funds, the district must raise $2,436,589 in required local dollars. That figure marks an increase of $49,810 (2.1 percent).
To balance the budget, though, $1,089,067 in additional local funds is needed.
Increases in special education costs are among the driving forces for the hike in spending. Two new teaching positions (kindergarten and sixth grade) were added this year due to enrollment levels. A bus purchase was also taken out of the budget. To help lessen the tax burden, the district plans to carry forward $450,000 from the current budget.