HODGDON, Maine — The SAD 70 board of directors will vote on a proposed $6.5 million 2017-18 budget of during their regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 8.
The proposed budget of $6,507,340 is a decrease of $24,357 (0.37 percent) from the current spending plan, according to Superintendent Scott Richardson. That reduction, however, does not mean local municipalities will necessarily see a decrease in their local share.
SAD 70 will receive $3,100,068 from the state for general purpose education next year, which is a reduction of $100,590 from the current school year. In addition, the district will have to come up with $1,811,949 in local funds (an increase of $76,196) to receive that state aid.
Because SAD 70’s budget has traditionally been higher than what the state says it should pay for “Essential Programs and Services,” the district will need to raise additional local dollars to balance its budget. An additional local amount of $730,023 will need to be raised. That figure is down $47,762 from the current budget.
In addition, the district will need to raise $13,166 for its share of the Adult Education program.
“I am in hopes that once the state budget is final, we will receive more money from the state,” Richardson said. “My expectation is that the Legislature will increase the budget [for education].”
Most of the communities that make up SAD 70 will see an increase in their tax share. According to Richardson, New Limerick will be hit the hardest with an increase of $20,934; while Hodgdon will likely see an increase of $4,416; and Haynesville will be up $1,756; Amity, up $454; and Ludlow, up $167. Because of changes to their state valuation, Linneus will see a reduction of $927.
The district did make cuts in some areas, but those reductions did not impact staffing, Richardson said. Because of improved efficiencies, and reduced per gallon costs in heating oil, the district expects to see a $6,000 reduction in its heating oil account.
Some projects also were put on hold, such as paving of the high school parking lot, while one bus loan was paid off which reduced the transportation account. The 2017-18 budget features the first payment of a 10-year, $1.3 million zero interest loan the district qualified for last year for a number of renovation projects.
“I truly feel this is a good budget,” Richardson said. “Anytime you can come in under the previous year it’s a good thing. This budget meets the needs of our students and staff.”
The district budget meeting, where residents can ask questions and vote on the budget, is tentatively set for Thursday, May 25.
