RSU 50 budget passes hurdle

STACYVILLE, Maine — A group of about 60 residents approved a $9,261,281 school budget for 2012-13 with little to no discussion June 19.
Voters will now have to approve the budget at a special referendum in their respective communities on Thursday, June 28.
    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.
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.
The following is a list of poll times for the budget referendum vote on June 28:
Crystal — Voting at the town office, 272 Crystal Road, noon to 6 p.m.
Dyer Brook — Voting at town office, 864 Dyer Brook Road, noon-6 p.m.
Hersey — Voting at Patten Fire Station, 27 Dearborn St., Patten, noon-6 p.m.
Island Falls — Voting at town office, 68 Houlton Road, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Merrill — Voting at town office, 3391 U.S. Route 2, Smyrna, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Moro — Voting at Katahdin Lodge, 626 Aroostook Scenic Highway, noon-6 p.m.
Mt. Chase — Voting at town office, 1094 Shin Pond Road, Patten, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Oakfield — Voting at town office, 80 School St., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Patten — Voting at Patten Fire Station, 27 Dearborn St., noon-6 p.m.
Smyrna — Voting at town office, 3391 U.S. Route 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sherman — Voting at town office, 36 School St., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Stacyville — Voting at town office, 414 Station Road, noon-6 p.m.