JAY — Voters from Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls approved an $18.80 million budget for Regional School Unit 73 on Thursday night.
The 2016-17 budget of $19.03 million included money for an elevator and bleachers.
Superintendent Kenneth Healey said he was notified Monday of a $60,936 increase in health benefits that was not anticipated.
The 2016-17 budget reflects a decrease of $190,414 in state aid. It includes $798,320 carried over from this fiscal year, and $424,686 in unallocated funds.
One voter asked what was included in the category of Other Instruction. Healey said it covers academics, athletics, field trips and sports trips. Figures showed a decrease of $92,102 for the coming year.
Another voter asked for an explanation of the school board’s recommendation of $1.65 million, which is $1.30 million above the state’s allocation model.
Healey said there were a number of factors in that recommendation, such as the industrial arts program, co-curricular activities, interventionists at the elementary schools, and a nurse and clerical staff in every building. There is also $450,000 more included for athletics.
Healey said it was believed these were necessary for a solid educational program. He said there is such a large group of students receiving free or reduced-price meals that a pay-to-play program for athletics couldn’t be supported.
The assessments to each town are:
* Jay, $8.59 million, a decrease of $373,503 from this year;
* Livermore, $1.89 million, a decrease of $53,326; and
* Livermore Falls, $1.63 million, an increase of $8,030.
A budget referendum in all three towns is scheduled Tuesday, April 26.
Supporting Sponsor for Franklin Journal, Livermore Falls Advertiser, Rangeley Highlander and Rumford Falls Times.
Keeping communities informed by supporting local news. franklinsavings.bank
Comments are no longer available on this story