BUCKFIELD – Approximately 150 voters passed a SAD 39 budget of $6,640,311.15 Wednesday night. There were long discussions as residents expressed concerns about rising taxes.
The three district towns of Buckfield, Hartford and Sumner will have to raise approximately $1,473,260 to get their share of state aid.
Article 7, which passed 86-74 by written ballot, recommended $944,807 for additional local funds because the Essential Programs and Services funds for special education underestimates needs, costs, inflation and fuel.
Had Article 7 failed, the board would have had to cut $944,807 from the budget.
With the passage of the budget, a part-time gifted and talented teacher will be added, history books and music equipment bought and Buckfield Junior-Senior High School will have an expanded literacy program.
“I’m concerned because the vote was not a strong Yes,'” Superintendent Rick Colpitts said. “A majority supported the budget, but it was not necessarily the town’s feelings.”
SAD 39 board Chairman Colleen Bullecks said, “I’m very relieved. It was the right thing to do.”
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