Belfast councilors split as RSU 71 school budget vote nears; mayor opposes bus garage plan

Mayor Eric Sanders told the council he will vote against the RSU 71 budget and against a proposed bus garage on the ballot, saying he lacks sufficient information to support the measures and that the additional cost—about $870,000 in increased taxes for Belfast—would be a heavy burden for some residents.

“I'm going to vote against it,” Sanders said, arguing he had not heard adequate justification from the school board and noting the district is holding roughly $3.1 million in reserves that he said should be scrutinized before asking taxpayers for more. He said his vantage point as a nearby resident and former school board member informed his concerns.

Councilor Neil Harkness agreed the garage raised questions but framed the broader issue as the district’s budgeting and reserve decisions. Harkness urged Belfast voters to contact the school board and said the revaluation that increased property valuations last year has concentrated the tax burden on Belfast taxpayers.

Councilor Paul Dean and others described the difficult decisions staff and council made during the city’s budget process to reduce spending and said they were reluctant to repeat measures that previously hurt vulnerable residents. Dean warned that low public turnout in school budget meetings can allow budget pressures to grow.

Why it matters: The RSU 71 budget vote is scheduled for June 10 and includes a separate question about acquiring a building for a bus garage; councilors emphasized voter turnout and urged clearer explanations from the school board about reserve use and the need for the garage. There was no formal city action on the school budget at the council meeting.