March 28, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Taxpayers in Clifton, Eddington, and Holden will be asked to pay approximately 30 percent more in property taxes to support a half million-dollar budget increase if the budget of SAD 63 is passed on June 8. Attempts to increase property taxes have become an annual effort on the part of the SAD 63 school board. Last year citizens of the three towns attended the school budget hearing, voiced their objections, and were successful in controlling part of the budget increase. If they don’t do the same thing this year, their property taxes will rise substantially. …

Most of this half million-dollar increase is for salaries, including an additional teacher and principal. More than $100,000 is for increased operations and maintenance including roof repairs. They plan to spend $25,000 to hire an architect for Holbrook School construction. A $35,100 increase is designated for secondary education. Money to pay for medical and dental insurance is to be increased substantially. …

Why the SAD 63 board has shown little concern for the local taxpayers is difficult to understand. Other school districts have held budgets constant to avoid an increase in property taxes. Obviously, the board thinks their job is to increase the budget to improve the schools. Improving the schools is a noble endeavor. However, there is ample evidence to show that good schools do not require continually increasing budgets. In the past 30 years school budgets have increased nationally while college board scores have declined. …

This year’s school budget vote will be taken at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 8 at the Holden School. Hugh Crawford East Eddington


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