LIVERMORE FALLS – Only a few people attended a public hearing Thursday to learn what’s in the proposed $9.15 million fiscal 2008 school spending plan that voters will consider by secret ballot on Tuesday, June 12.

The package represents an increase of $478,656 over the existing budget but delivers a $1.30 decrease in the education tax rate.

Most of the increase is due to salary and insurance increases budgeted at $240,000 and $151,000 more than last year, Superintendent Terry Despres said.

Higher energy costs also play a part in the increase with $48,000 more budgeted for the next school year.

Despres said he celebrates the fact that SAD 36 is the only district in Western Maine that did not have to do a reduction in force of teachers.

The district is sustaining its programs, he said, and its student enrollment is staying about the same with some increases, unlike districts with declining enrollment.

Despres said he believes in revenue-driven budgets that put more responsibility on school principals to work with staff members to determine where best the dollar fits in student education.

Under the proposal, if approved, the state’s share of the budget is estimated at $5.7 million if voters approve spending about $3.1 million in local money.

The district will assess a combined $3.1 million to the towns of Livermore and Livermore Falls to cover the budget, with Livermore’s share projected to increase to $1.56 million or 50.12 percent, reflecting an increase from $1.49 million or 48.47 percent from fiscal 2007.

Livermore Falls’ share is anticipated to be $1.55 million or 49.88 percent, down from $1.59 million or 51.53 percent in 2006-07.

Livermore’s share will increase due to a higher state valuation of $147.95 million while Livermore Falls’ state valuation is $147.25 million.

Voters in both towns will consider the budget on June 12, when the polls open in Livermore from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and in Livermore Falls from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the respective town offices.

“It’s a fair budget for our residents and it’s a fair budget for our staff,” Despres said. “I encourage everyone to vote June 12.”