RSU 10 budget hearings scheduled

DIXFIELD — The first of two public hearings on the Regional School Unit 10 budget for 2015-16 will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, at Dirigo Elementary School in Peru.

The second is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Buckfield Junior Senior High School. A districtwide meeting and vote will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at Mountain Valley High School in Rumford.

A validation referendum will be held at polling stations in each district town on June 9.

The proposed budget of $36.71 million is about 1.5 percent more than this fiscal year, which ends June 30. It includes money to reinstate several positions cut last year, including half-time music, library and art positions, and a half-time guidance counselor.

If the budget is passed as presented, Hanover would have see a $727 increase in its assessment and Roxbury a $25,700 increase.

The remaining 10 towns would have their assessments drop: Buckfield, $39,800; Byron, $39,300; Canton, $32,300; Carthage, $10,300; Dixfield, $54,800; Hartford, $21,200; Mexico, $26,300; Peru, $57,200; Rumford, $107,600; and Sumner, $9,300.

The assessment formula is based on the town’s state valuation and the number of students it sends to RSU 10 schools.

RSU 10 has an enrollment of about 2,600 students.