UNION, Maine — The five towns of Regional School Unit 40 will pay 7 percent more for education costs under the proposed budget going to residents.
The RSU 40 Board approved a 2015-16 budget of slightly more than $24 million at its March 19 meeting. It represents a $1.1 million, or 5 percent increase, over the current budget. Because of revenue losses, the amount of property taxes needed to finance the budget, however, will jump 7 percent or $921,000 to a total $13.9 million.
Most of the budget increase — $875,000 — is because of pay increases and higher benefit costs for employees. Expanding pre-kindergarten will cost an additional $100,000. The addition of a social worker will cost $75,000.
Waldoboro will shoulder the largest increase in local share at $375,000, bringing its annual payments to $4.9 million. Warren’s increase is $204,000, reaching $3.7 million. Friendship will pay an additional $117,000, reaching $1.8 million. Union’s increase will be $115,000, reaching nearly $2.1 million. And Washington will pay $109,000 more, reaching $1.4 million.
The budget will go to residents of the five towns at a district-wide budget meeting beginning at 7 p.m. May 12 at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro.
The referendum to approve whatever is adopted at that meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9.