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RSU 20 readies budget materials for public hearing; board plans outreach to clarify taxes vs. school budget
Summary
Director Coden and administrators will publish both the full balanced budget and a budget-by-article handout for the Sept. 24 public hearing; the board plans a one-page fact sheet and town outreach to explain valuations and mill-rate questions ahead of the November vote.
RSU 20 administrators told the school board they will make both the full balanced budget and a simplified, article-by-article handout available at the public budget hearing scheduled for Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Searsport District High School cafeteria.
Director Coden explained the article handout is intended to help members of the public follow where money is allocated by school or program, while the full budget remains available for those who want the complete detail.
Board members noted public confusion over why property taxes can rise even when a school budget shows a 0% increase. A member said valuation changes and town assessments — items outside the district’s control — often create the appearance that the school budget drove tax increases.
To address confusion before the November vote, board members proposed a short fact sheet explaining: that the school budget is separate from town valuation and how to contact local officials about mill-rate questions. The board agreed to post materials on the district website and ask communications staff to circulate a reminder series leading up to the election.
Administrators also confirmed the food-service article of the budget will be visible for reference but not voted on at the Sept. 24 hearing because it was passed in June. The board agreed to bring copies of both budget documents to the public hearing and to post them online.
No formal budget vote occurred at this meeting; the board scheduled the public hearing and agreed on outreach steps.
