RSU 16 board approves FY27 budget, votes to bond local SRF share and calls June 9 referendum

The RSU 16 board approved the superintendent's proposed FY27 budget and authorized steps to finance and present a School Revolving Renovation Fund (SRF) package to voters.

Budget vote: The superintendent presented a proposed operating budget of $31,221,167 for FY27, a $1.335 million increase from the prior year. After discussion, the board voted to adopt the budget and to call a budget-validation referendum for June 9; the meeting transcript stated the board's tally as "5734" in favor and "238" opposed in the board's announced count.

SRF and bonding: Board members reported the district was awarded approximately $6 million through SRF, with a substantial forgiven portion, and that the total project cost was estimated to be about $8.9 million. The board discussed the local supplemental share — discussed during the meeting at roughly $2.9 million — and voted to bond that local portion to enable the district to make required interim payments and to include the SRF package on the June 9 ballot. A May 7 public hearing on the proposed bond was scheduled.

Tax impact and public outreach: The superintendent presented tax-impact examples for each town, listing per-$100,000 figures in presentation slides (for example, one slide listed Poland at $75.56 per $100,000; other slides summarized different figures). The district will host a budget forum (April 28) and public information sessions before the referendum and plans printed and online materials at rsu16.org. Board members and budget-committee representatives said they aimed for clarity in voter materials and planned a separate public hearing on May 7 for the SRF question.

Procurement and bids tied to SRF: The board reviewed SRF RFP results. Mechanical Services submitted a complete bid and Warren Mechanical was found noncompliant with required RFP items; the board moved to award the SRF contract to Mechanical Services contingent on voter approval. Board members discussed timing, contractor oversight and the option of presenting a single referendum question that combines elements of the project rather than multiple split questions.

What to watch: The SRF vote on June 9 will determine whether the district proceeds with the full project as presented. If voters approve, the district plans to execute the contract with Mechanical Services and proceed with phased implementation; if voters reject the measure, the district will return to project planning and funding options.