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Board authorizes warrants for budget validation referendum after final review; some members question abstention rules
Summary
After a final review of the proposed budget and logistics for warrant signing, the board voted to call and approve warrants for the upcoming budget validation referendum; a roll call recorded mixed yes/no/abstain responses and prompted procedural questions about whether abstentions are permitted absent a conflict.
The RSU 73 board conducted a final review of the proposed budget and the signatory process for warrants ahead of the budget validation referendum. The superintendent summarized the packet and reminded board members to sign the warrant documents in a prescribed order; he said the total increase from last year was presented in materials.
The chair moved to call and approve the warrants for the budget meeting and validation referendum and to authorize the notice of amounts adopted. The motion was seconded and taken by roll call. Several members recorded varied responses during roll call — including votes of yes, no and at least one stated abstention — which prompted a point of order and board discussion about whether abstentions are procedurally acceptable when no conflict of interest exists. The chair said he believed an abstention functions effectively as a no vote and declared the motion carried.
Board members were reminded of the schedule: a policy committee meeting on the 24th and the next full board meeting on the 27th, with the referendum meeting to follow as posted. The superintendent and staff said there are multiple opportunities (a warrant signing window, a budget hearing and the referendum) for the public to review or alter the budget before final adoption by voters.
