MONTICELLO, Maine — When residents go to the polls Monday, they will be asked whether they wish to explore the possibility of pulling out of the Regional School Unit 29 school district.
Polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Monticello Fire Department, followed at 7 p.m. by the annual town meeting. Results of the elections are expected to be announced at the meeting.
The exact wording of the question states: “Do you favor filing a petition for withdrawal with the Board of Directors of Regional School Unit #29 and with the Commissioner of Education, authorizing the withdrawal committee to expend $30,000 and authorizing the Municipal Officers to issue notes in the name of the Town of Monticello or otherwise pledge the credit of the Town of Monticello in an amount not to exceed $30,000 for this purpose?”
A “yes” vote gives permission to start the process, which involves forming a committee to gather information on the costs of withdrawing from the school district that serves the towns of Houlton, Hammond, Littleton and Monticello. That committee would feature one school board member, one selectman, one member of the public and one person who solicited the initial petition.
Another public hearing would be held once that group compiles its review. A second referendum vote to actually withdraw is then required, with a two-thirds vote needed to pull out. If the town did vote in favor of pulling out, it would then have to hire a lawyer to negotiate the withdrawal process. That cost was estimated between $20,000 and $30,000.
In addition to the referendum question, several town positions will be voted on. Two seats for three-year terms are up for grabs on the town’s Board of Selectmen, with three candidates vying for the spots. Those candidates are incumbent Gary Sewell, Logan Brewer and Melody Stephens-Faulkner. Tom Good opted not to run for re-election.
In addition, a one-year seat on the board also is open, after William Lambert resigned because he moved out of Monticello. Andrew Lynds is unopposed in seeking that seat.
Two candidates are vying for one open seat on the RSU 29 board: incumbent Jennifer Johnston and Jeannie Tapley.
According to Town Manager Ginger Pryor, the town’s budget of $594,312 is up about $45,000 from last year. That increase is because of rising costs at the transfer station, insurance, roads and the RSU 29 budget.