SALEM TOWNSHIP — Voters in the four RSU 58 towns approved the $9 million budget Tuesday, 318-162.

According to district business manager Luci Milewski, the budget is $18,062, or 0.2 percent, more than this fiscal year. Because of the reduced amount available for carry-forward and an anticipated drop in tuition revenue, the amount requested from Avon, Kingfield, Phillips and Strong increased, she said.

The Maine Department of Education subsidizes most costs relevant to direct education of students, but any additional costs that the school board and voters approve have to be paid for by additional tax dollars from the four towns.

Voters at the districtwide budget meeting agreed to raise $860,684 in additional local funds. Those funds will pay for special education, athletics and co-curricular activities, operations and maintenance, and student transportation costs that are not recognized by the state’s Essential Programs and Services funding model.

Avon’s share will be $325,215; Kingfield’s $1.1 million; Phillips,’ $648,405; and Strong’s, $675,740.

The $2.7 million shared among the four towns will be a tax increase, but the projections indicate less than a full mill increase for each town.

Kingfield:

90 yes, 25 no

Phillips:

62 yes, 54 no

Avon:

46 yes, 15 no

Strong:

120 yes, 68 no

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