Government

MSAD 15 Budget Validation Vote TONIGHT – Thursday May 23 at 6:30 pm

District voters will vote tonight on a proposed $27.8 million fiscal year ‘20 school budget.  Voter registration begins at 6:00 and the budget meeting at 6:30 pm in the GNG High School cafeteria. 

The proposed budget reflects a 3.96 percent increase over the current year and a 4.92 increase in New Gloucester and Gray’s combined local share, according to district administrators.  Flat funding from the state due to declining district enrollments and increases in salaries and benefits underlie the budget picture.  For New Gloucester, which is responsible for 35 percent of the $16.1 million local contribution, administrators estimate a $0.52 uptick in the overall mil rate, an increase of $102 on a $200,000 home.  Detailed budget documentation can be accessed here.

Tonight’s budget vote is the first of two; a school budget validation referendum will follow on Tuesday June 11, when New Gloucester voters will also elect two members of the Select Board and vote on whether to create a town charter commission.