NEW SWEDEN, Maine — Over 50 New Sweden town residents gathered at the school gym on June 24. It was a long evening of voting, and citizens managed to pass 53 out of 54 articles.
Most articles carried with minor opposition throughout the night. Some residents were confused on the phrasing of a few articles and wanted things spelled out for them. Town selectmen and school board members were on hand to articulate and clear away any confusion.
Residents questioned article 22 “To see what sum the school administrative unit will be authorized to expend for Other Instruction. Appropriation Requested $1,450.00.” Some in Wednesday’s audience wondered if that amount was enough and that’s when school principal Laurie Spooner stood up and said, “This amount doesn’t cover what we need. To make up the difference we do fundraising.” The article carried with no opposition.
During discussion on article 25 concerning school administration monies principal Spooner announced that due to a drop in student population, this coming fall she’ll pick up the slack and go back to being a full-time grade six, seven and eight teacher on top of her normal administrative duties. Spooner said her decision is good for the town and that it has been nearly 10 years since the school has had to make a move like this. Article 25 passed with no opposition.
Articles 31, 32, 33, 49 and 50 were too close to call leaving the evening’s moderator and the town clerk to individually count hands for those for and against each article. The passing of article 32, the authorization of the total school budget of $1,011,466, saw some residents walk out in frustration after a vote of 31 for and 14 against the article.
Some time was spent on passing article 49, the approval of a 2-percent discount for those who promptly pay their taxes prior to September 30 of this year. Residents attempted to amend the article and bump the discount up to 4 percent, but the amendment was quickly defeated by a 31-15 vote. Article 49 managed to pass by a majority of 32 for and 9 against. Article 50 was shot down with the majority against raising $16,000 for the town’s discounts and abatement account.
After a long-drawn-out night of voting residents saw a town budget of roughly over $410,000. Final numbers are still not in from the town clerk. When this year’s fiscal year has ended a total budget will be available.
