AUBURN — Ron Potvin tried.

At the School Committee budget meeting Wednesday night, he urged other members to understand taxpayers’ point of view, that the proposed 5 percent increase in spending would be too much, even though it’s only a “keep-the-ball-rolling” budget.

Potvin got no support. Other members were silent or disagreed.

Members Tracey Levesque and Laurie Tannenbaum said they were “embarrassed” that Auburn does not spend the minimum on education as recommended by the state.

Potvin, a former city councilor, last year became a spokesman for taxpayers opposed to school budget increases higher than 3 percent, which led to voters rejecting two school budget proposals.

He proposed possible cuts to reduce the proposed $39.04 million budget, which includes a $1.9 million increase to cover teacher raises, higher health insurance costs and higher MaineCare costs for special education students. It basically is a maintenance budget, neither cutting nor adding positions or programs.

If passed as proposed, it would mean an annual property tax increase of $118 on a home valued at $150,000; that’s not counting the city side of Auburn’s budget.

Potvin said taxpayers understand they need to spend more, but a 5 percent increase is too high. He recommended an increase no higher than 3 percent.

He asked if adult education is needed, could one program serve both Lewiston and Auburn. Other members said Auburn’s adult program is needed as Lewiston isn’t interested in merging.

Edward Little High School Assistant Principal Steve Galway is retiring this year, Potvin pointed out. Could that assistant principal be turned into a less-expensive post, such as guidance counselor director, he asked.

The answer was no.

Potvin asked if the Franklin alternative high school could be eliminated?

“I’m not with you on this one, Ron,” said committee member Bonnie Hayes, touting the benefits of how the school keeps students from dropping out.

Potvin asked why Auburn needs the Regional Educational Treatment Center and Success of Student programs for special education students. Special Education Director Laurie Lemieux said if Auburn students with high needs were sent to out-of-district programs, costs would be more.

Potvin asked if the proposed budget was inflated to cover salary increases for four labor contracts not yet negotiated or health insurance costs not yet known.

Superintendent Katy Grondin said those costs might come in lower in mid-April, but if the real costs come in higher, money would have to be put back in the budget. “It’s always tougher to add than it is to subtract,” business manager Jude Cyr said.

Potvin asked if $161,000 for school building supplies could be reduced. He said he was trying to cut $400,000 of the $1.5 million more being asked of taxpayers so the budget would pass.

“We can’t go to the public with a 5 percent increase,” he said. “I’m just saying that those same people who voted no last year are the same ones saying no to 5 percent.”

Last year, the School Committee initially sent voters a budget with an 8 percent increase.

“A lot of people fell off their chairs,” Potvin said. The second budget was a 5 percent hike which was soundly rejected. Why would we even endeavor to start with what was rejected last year?”

Voters now understand they can weigh in and vote on the school budget referendum, “as opposed to frustration they feel on the city side with only seven city councilors.”

Hayes said it’s too bad the city budget doesn’t have a referendum.

Levesque said that when city hall labor negotiations are approved, taxpayers don’t vote on that budget or aren’t even aware of the size of raises.

“Yes, my taxes go up,” Levesque said, “but I’m embarrassed that we do not meet basic (Essential Programs and Services) for our students. The residents of Auburn should be embarrassed that we do not meet basic EPS for our students.” Statewide, Auburn is one of the few municipalities that does not meet EPS spending levels, she said.

Potvin countered that the state EPS funding formula does not recognize “several dozen school positions that we as a school committee and administration have chosen to add at the cost to the taxpayers.”

Laurie Tannenbaum complained that of what Auburn residents spend on property taxes, only 37 percent goes for the schools while in many communities, 50 percent of taxes goes for education.

The EPS amount is the minimum that state says should be spent “to make sure we educate our children,” Tannenbaum said. “As a citizen, I want to do more.”

What’s next: The school committee will hold a public hearing on the budget on April 2; it is scheduled to vote on the budget April 30 and send it to the city council. The public will vote on the budget at the June 10 referendum.

bwashuk@sunjournal.com

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