LISBON
The town council will hold a public hearing on the Lisbon School Committee’s proposed school budget tonight, and for the second time will consider adopting a budget to send to voters in an Aug. 11 budget validation referendum.
The hearing will be held during the council’s meeting at 7 p.m. at Lisbon Community School.
The council’s most recently adopted school budget was voted down by Lisbon residents at the polls on June 9. The $15.1 million spending plan proposed by the council was defeated 790-308. A non-binding question asking why voters rejected the budget indicated the majority thought it was too low, by a vote of 659-120.
The Lisbon School Committee approved $15,469,738 in expenditures on June 29 to present to the town council for a public hearing and council vote tonight — a 3.6 percent increase from the 2014-15 school year. The proposed spending would not increase the $5.69 million paid in local taxes in the 2014-15 fiscal year to the school department.
The spending plan looks similar to the initial $15,501,264 in expenditures the committee presented to the town council in May. That spending plan was reduced by the council, but then rejected by voters on June 9.
The council today is also scheduled to have a discussion about bond proceeds and bond compliance as well as reserve funds, both issues that were incorporated into the School Committee’s proposed budget to offset costs, which the council had raised issue with.
The council will also consider making a decision on the revaluation issue, which it learned may likely not be done in time for the August tax commitment though the four-year process was due to be complete by June 30 according to the town’s contract with William Van Tuinen Tax Assessment Services. The revaluation was to take place over four years starting in 2011 for a total cost of $325,000.
The council will considering signing a $20,000 planning contract with Community Planning Studio.
Also up for discussion is a Dollar General water easement release deed; tax acquired property bids, policy and procedures for the fiscal administration of school accounts payable and payroll; a Department of Environmental Protection consent agreement; award on a real estate agent bid; and an interlocal agreement for code enforcement and stormwater services.
Several appointments to town boards and committees are also planned.
Voted down
THE COUNCIL’S most recently adopted school budget was voted down by Lisbon residents at the polls on June 9. The $15.1 million spending plan proposed by the council was defeated 790-308. A non-binding question asking why voters rejected the budget indicated the majority thought it was too low, by a vote of 659-120.
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