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Carrabassett Valley Select Board approves Town Meeting warrant after debate over school facilities reserve
Summary
The Select Board approved a June 17 Town Meeting warrant that includes a proposal to move $250,000 from surplus into a school facilities reserve and to commit $250,000 annually; Superintendent Dr. Regina Campbell said the fund is intended to ensure school options for CV students and not to build a CV school.
The Carrabassett Valley Select Board voted unanimously June 2 to approve a Town Meeting warrant for June 17 that includes a school-related article proposing an immediate transfer of $250,000 from surplus to a facilities maintenance reserve and a commitment to vote annually on a $250,000 contribution.
The item prompted discussion about timing and scope because the school fiscal year ends June 30 while the town’s fiscal year ends Sept. 30, complicating the mechanics of moving funds between accounts. The board noted an anticipated school fund balance of $444,000 at year end.
School Superintendent Dr. Regina Campbell emphasized the purpose of the reserve: “The purpose of the capital reserve fund is to assure CV children have schools to attend, that there is a grade 9-12 option,” and she said the funds are not intended to finance a new Carrabassett Valley school but could support capacity at neighboring schools, such as an addition at Stratton.
The warrant also includes several non-school articles previewed by the town manager: an article to allow spending up to 100% of Cable TV franchise fees for Snowfields Productions (WSKI‑TV Channel 17) marketing and promotions; an article authorizing an easement to CMP for a utility pole; and an article authorizing municipal officers to negotiate and execute agreements needed to construct and operate the Sugarloaf Short Course project. The board noted that Article #17 (the CMP easement) will require a signature when finalized.
Karen Campbell moved approval of the school warrant language and the motion passed unanimously. Superintendent Campbell said she would raise the Select Board’s concerns about precise wording with the School Committee before Town Meeting.
The warrant will be presented to voters on June 17; the board asked staff to refine phrasing so the intent of the facilities reserve and the mechanics of the fund transfer are clear to voters.
