MEXICO — The Region 9 cooperative board approved an adult and community education budget that is 6 percent lower than the current year’s. The budget would require nearly 17 percent less local funding.

The vocational school’s Director, Brenda Gammon, said a budget of $279,173 was approved by five of the eight board members who attended Tuesday’s meeting. The adopted budget is down from $296,945 for school year 2009-10. It also requires local money of $159,016, down from $191,430 for the current year.

Voting against the proposed budget were Randy Canwell and Betty Barrett, of Mexico, and Frank DiConzo, of Rumford.

The three also opposed the secondary budget of $2,034,820, which was approved by a majority on Tuesday. It was up 1.4 percent, or $28,000 from the current year. Canwell, Barrett and DiConzo voted against the secondary budget because of a 1 percent salary hike given to most employees.

Gammon said Canwell, Barrett and DiConzo opposed the adult education and community budget for the same reason.

The adult and community education budget came in less than last year’s because child care for children of adult students was eliminated, as was the part-time position of community education coordinator.

Residents of the 14 member towns of the vocational region will vote on both budgets on May 18.

Also on Tuesday, the board voted to seek clarification of a policy governing the duties of the chairman when he sits on one of the subcommittees to the Policy Committee. Right now, he can appoint himself to an subcommittee as an ex officio member who cannot vote.

Gammon said the Policy Committee, comprising Canwell and DiConzo, will make a recommendation to the full board for any possible changes, which can then adopt or reject the recommendation.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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