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RSU 57 finance committee reviews working budget, asks administration to model $320,000 reduction to limit tax increase
Summary
The RSU 57 Finance Committee reviewed a FY26–27 working budget that shows a $382,311 expenditure increase (about 0.69%) and an overall local tax assessment rise of roughly 4.92%; the committee asked the administration to model $320,000 in reductions or alternative uses of fund balance to bring the total tax increase to about 4.0% or less.
The RSU 57 Finance Committee reviewed the administration’s working budget and asked district staff to model reductions totaling roughly $320,000 to limit the overall tax‑assessment increase.
Superintendent Stephen Marquis and finance staff presented the working FY26–27 budget, showing a $382,311 increase in general fund expenditures (about 0.69%) and a corresponding overall local tax‑assessment impact of approximately 4.92 percent. Administration advised the committee that changes in state subsidy, debt service payoffs and town valuation shifts together produce uneven town‑by‑town impacts.
“This is as tight as we can get on this budget,” Marquis told the committee, adding that staffing adjustments are expected to be minimal and that the working budget anticipates roughly one FTE reduction achieved through reassignment and attrition rather than layoffs. He also noted the capital reserve currently holds about $2.2 million, with pending commitments (elevator, modular settlement) that would reduce that balance.
Transportation and operating costs are significant drivers of increases: administration said transportation is up by about 10.5 percent due to mileage, van replacement and a loss of some federal reimbursement streams, and that vans purchased with COVID relief funds now need replacement or lease adjustments.
Committee members asked administration to model specific targets: reduce the working budget by $320,000 (or a combination of expenditure cuts and additional fund balance use) to bring the overall tax increase at or below 4.0 percent. Administration explained that lowering the highest‑impacted town (Limerick) under a specific threshold requires proportionally larger cuts and will affect programming and staffing.
On capital procurement, administrators said a single low SRRF roof bid appears to have misinterpreted the specifications; the administration indicated it intends to reject that bid and reopen the solicitation so additional contractors can bid with clarified information. The committee agreed with the rebid approach.
The committee voted to approve fiscal warrants (motion by Judith; seconded by Suzanne) unanimously. The board confirmed upcoming dates with selectmen (March 19, Alfred Town Hall) and a public meeting scheduled for March 23; the committee adjourned.
