STRONG – Lack of clarity about the state’s new educational funding formula prompted discussion about several budget items at town meeting Saturday.
The town’s total valuation figures prominently in the state’s reimbursement formula for the school budget.
More than 60 residents attended the meeting, which was moderated by Roger Lambert.
According to Mike Pond, SAD 58 school board director, the school budget is still being prepared but, he told residents, with the new law, northern towns “just took another giant hit.”
“I don’t believe we’re going to get a tax break,” he said.
Democratic State Rep. Thomas Saviello, whose district includes Strong, explained that though property owners may not see much of a tax break this year, there is a four-year ramp-up for the bill, and the school district will get more money as time goes on.
At issue was a motion from the floor to appropriate $2,000 for the town’s legal account. Selectmen supported a recommendation by the budget committee for $2,750, down from their initial request of $3,000. Last year, the town used only $247 of $3,000 budgeted, and Pond wanted to know why the town should appropriate so much money that isn’t used.
Rupert Pratt told residents if all budget items were severely reduced, the town would not have a surplus next year to offset taxes.
“We’re going to take a big hit next year,” he said, adding that the money should be there but selectmen should do their best to keep spending down.
The $2,000 motion failed, followed by an affirmative vote to appropriate $2,750 for the legal account.
A motion to appropriate $15,000 for a revaluation account, as opposed to an initially proposed $6,000, was amended by Sue Pratt with the addition to authorize selectmen to borrow up to $25,000 for updating assessment records.
Sue Pratt, assistant superintendent for SAD 9, explained that completing the valuation would benefit the town in terms of state educational reimbursements since the formula is partially based on a town’s valuation. Bob Worthley, assessor’s agent, said the town is currently valued at approximately 70 percent.
“It’s time we got there,” Sue Pratt said. “It’s time we took the big leap of faith.”
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