$9.08M SAD 41 budget moved to Thursday’s referendum

DOVER-FOXCROFT — A proposed 2018-19 SAD 41 budget of $9,077,841 was approved with all 15 articles passing with minimal discussion over 20 minutes during the annual district budget meeting on June 21 at the Penquis Valley School. The near $9.08 million total is now moved to a referendum in the district towns of Atkinson, Brownville, LaGrange and Mlo on Thursday, June 28 for a “yes” or “no” vote.

The budget for 2018-19 represents a $577,270 increase from the current year’s figure of about $8.5 million. Next year SAD 41 will be receiving about $5,730,900 in Essential Programs and Services (EPS) funds from the state, a $615,045 increase.

In order to receive the $5.73 million-plus the four SAD 41 communities need to raise $1,585,625. “The local required amount was up $16,694.75 from last year, that’s what is is required by the state in order to receive the EPS money,” Superintendent Michael Wright said.

Another $733,094 in local additional monies is being requested, and this figure is down by $16,694.75. “There is a 0 percent total local increase from last year,” Wright said. The combined EPS required and local additional funds — including a $39,194 adult education contribution — equals $2,318,720 or the same amount as in 2017-18.

Per state law, an article concerning local additional funds needs to be voted on via a written ballot and this item passed by a count of 15-2.

“It is not a 0 percent increase for each town,” he said. “The reason it breaks down differently is the state change in valuation for each town.”

In the budget to voted on at the June 28 referendum Atkinson would have a $251,379 contribution for the 2018-19 spending plan or an increase of $6,676. Brownville’s total of $658,625 would be up by $2,992. LaGrange would see an increase of $7,661 to $375,824. Milo’s share of the SAD 41 budget would be $1,032,893 for a decrease of $17,329 from 2017-18.