School budget plans $240K for soccer field lighting upgrade

During the recent Finance Committee meeting held on February 28, 2025, in Ellsworth, Maine, a significant discussion centered around a proposed lighting project for the local school’s athletic facilities. The project, estimated to cost between $230,000 and $300,000, aims to enhance the lighting at the soccer field and track, addressing a pressing need for improved visibility during evening events.

Committee members expressed a general consensus on moving forward with the project, which would be funded through a combination of the school budget, reserve funds, and potential energy efficiency savings from the Energy Management Company (EMC). The plan includes utilizing existing poles for the new LED lights, which could help reduce costs. However, there is also consideration for possibly reducing the number of poles from six to four if it can still provide adequate lighting.

The discussion highlighted the importance of this project not only for the school but also for the community, as improved lighting would enhance safety and usability for local sports events. The committee acknowledged that while the school department bears some responsibility for the costs, the financial impact would ultimately affect local taxpayers.

As the project moves forward, it will undergo further evaluation during the budget process, with the committee seeking a commitment to tackle the lighting portion promptly. This initiative reflects the community's ongoing efforts to improve local facilities and support youth sports, ensuring that residents have access to safe and well-lit venues for recreation and events.