LIVERMORE FALLS – Superintendent Terry Despres delivered some sad news to directors of SAD 36 last week, telling them that the state Legislature’s inability to act on property tax relief in the 11th hour of its session has cost the district.

“The state shorted us $43,000 due to inaction,” Despres said, attributing it to lack of legislative courage and leadership. “The party in control wasn’t in control and the governor wasn’t present,” he said. “Every major piece the governor proposed, failed.”

“Now it goes to the people and voters generally carry their emotions to the ballot box. A referendum is chaos,” he said.

“This pits the towns and schools against each other,” Despres stressed. “I’m extremely upset about what happened, it shouldn’t have happened as it happened,” he added.

Despite the $43,000 loss, the superintendent said he’s keeping his promise to the towns to hold their mill rate for schools at $13.98, the same as last year. “This is one of the most difficult budgets I’ve ever worked on in 15 years in the superintendency.”

Of the total $8,082,157 proposed budget, Livermore would be responsible for $1,651,064 (up from $1,556,828) and Livermore Falls would be paying $1,829,257 (down from $1,855,772). Part of this change is due to changes in valuation in the towns.

“Overall you, as a school board, have a good message, we’re the only district with a flat funding in Franklin County,” he told his board.

The Legislature did approve Essential Programs and Services, which includes a ramp up/ramp down provision designed to increase state education funding while reducing reliance on property tax. However, implementation was delayed a year.

He said that to meet the deficit and keep his promise to the towns he plans to maintain employees except for retirees, institute a single bus run, hope for receipt of a grant and use regional sharing.

Directors approved an increased Adult Education budget, which includes $20,000 for the local public access television station, a request from Jay that shares in the program costs.

The local portion of the Adult Ed budget is $197,400, an amount shared by SAD 36 and Jay. The state puts in $89,000 and designated funds bring the total to $336,800.

“There needs to be a serious discussion about Adult Ed costs,” Despres advised the board. That discussion would including a look at the location, he added. The program is presently in leased facilities downtown.