Editor’s note: This story was modified on Monday, March 12 to correct incorrect information. The district’s proposed budget represents a $258,000 increase from 2010-2011.

SALEM TOWNSHIP — With a proposed budget hike of more than $258,000 SAD 58 directors began work Thursday night on next year’s budget.

Although final state subsidies have not been approved by the Legislature, Superintendent Brenda Stevens told the board to work with the facts and figures they have.

The district’s total property valuation stands at $10.14 million, an increase of $1.22 million from last year.

Directors need to decide whether to keep or cut $25,000 for special education salaries.

Sarah Strunk, a Stratton board member, said she learned from the town’s tax assessor that the increase on her tax bill would be $131 if the proposed $1.22 million increase was approved by voters.

“I’d gladly pay $131 (and) be more than willing to pay that to ensure that nothing changes,” she said. “I’d invite everyone to find out what this means to them, because that could change the conversation.”

While that tax increase might not be enormous to some, Phillips director Jane Thorndike noted that many voters live on fixed incomes.

“Some of us might be able to work more hours or get another job to make up that increase, but I don’t think those people have seen an increase in what they get,” she said.

Strong director Marc Edwards suggested each town’s tax burden had changed, and the impact on property owners would be much more than a school district increase.

“The loss of 34 percent of state revenue sharing in Strong means our taxes are going to go up,” Edwards said. “The school budget isn’t the one driver of our taxes.”

The direction from the public, Edwards said, is to pare down the budget and still provide services.

In addition to Strong, Phillips and Avon, SAD 58 covers the towns of Kingfield and Eustis.

Special Education Director Laureen Olsen suggested hiring a professional psychological services provider as an alternative to paying consultants’ fees. She said SAD 74 had agreed to support the position, and SAD 58 directors approved allocating $26,000 for the half-time position.

A target date of May 29 has been set for a district-wide budget meeting. A definite date for that meeting will be confirmed soon.  Voters in the five district towns will go to the polls for a referendum vote on June 12.

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