WATERBORO — Students who attend RSU 57 will have a spruced-up athletic complex after voters approved a $3.15 million bond by a razor-thin margin of six votes on Tuesday.
Overall, the unofficial total was 1,036 votes in favor, with 1,030 voters casting ballots against the proposal.
“We’re pretty excited,” said RSU 57 Activities Director Brendan Scully. “I think we have a need, no question.” He said various aspects of funding to address the need has been a subject of conversation by the school board for some time.
“We’re excited about the opportunities for our kids,” Scully added.
Limerick and Newfield voters said “no” to the proposal. In Limerick, there were 168 voters in favor, with 181 against. In Newfield, the margin of no votes was considerably more robust ”“ with just 32 people favoring the plan, and 103 voting against it.
Alfred voters said yes to the athletic complex 141-102. Lyman voters approved it 200-185; Shapleigh, 71”“50; and Waterboro, 424”“409.
The project includes: Resurfacing the track; widening the football field to accommodate soccer, field hockey, and other field sports and adding greater access to the lighted competition area; installing permanent bleachers; tennis court maintenance and adding bathroom and storage facilities.
A more ambitious, more expensive project was rejected by voters in all six towns in November.
The project approved Tuesday is projected to cost $3.8 million, with $3.1 million to come from the bond, and the rest from capital reserves, grants and donations.
The $39.1 million RSU 57 budget for the coming year was approved 1,247”“803, with five of the six towns approving the spending plan. Newfield voters rejected the budget 52-83. Alfred approved the budget 169-75; Limerick, 196-151; Lyman, 248-135; Shapleigh, 101-20; and Waterboro, 481-339.
Projections show property owners in the district are expected to see increases in their property tax rate as a result of the budget. Someone with a home in Alfred valued at $200,000 would pay about $27.84 more in taxes; in Limerick, $35.04 more; $54 more in Lyman; $66 more in Newfield; $45.84 more in Shapleigh and $56.88 more in Waterboro.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324”“4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282”“1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].
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