The School Administrative District 52 Board of Directors authorized using up to $400,000 from district reserve funds to cover a projected shortfall for the district’s wastewater improvements project.

District staff explained the project’s costs now exceed the original loan amount. The district has secured $600,000 in congressionally directed spending (Senator Collins) and $10,000 in FSP reimbursement; it also expects roughly $191,000 in green‑funds support. Even with those sources, staff said the project still needed approximately $400,000 to meet total project costs and the 10% contingency now required by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Board members discussed alternatives, including seeking a Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan that would require a townwide vote, but the consensus among members was that using reserve funds would be faster and less costly to taxpayers than seeking an additional loan. The board approved the motion to reserve up to $400,000 from existing district reserves to complete the wastewater project; the vote was unanimous.

Why it matters: the wastewater improvements are a capital project required for compliance and continued operation. The additional contingency and funding shortfall require action to avoid delay in construction and to satisfy DEP requirements.

Next steps: staff will proceed with project procurement and reimbursement paperwork; the district will continue grant and reimbursement processes for the congressional allotment and other funding sources.