BATH — Regional School Unit 1 rolled out next year’s proposed budget Monday night and is projecting a 3.51 percent hike in taxes next year.

The fiscal 2017 spending plan would increase 3.44 percent, adding about $939,000, to $28.3 million. Offsetting revenues include $9.4 million in state subsidy, up about $53,000.

The $17.1 million in taxes assessed to the four member communities reflect a 3.51 percent, or nearly $580,000, increase. Bath’s share would be $9.7 million, up 3.52 percent; Arrowsic’s, about $508,000, a 12.32 percent hike; Phippsburg’s, $3 million, up about 1.75 percent, and Woolwich’s, $3.9 million, a 3.78 percent increase.

Salaries and benefits, which comprise 68 percent of the budget, could rise 3.81 percent to reach a total $19.3 million.

Three new positions, averaging about $70,000 each including benefits, have been added: A middle school foreign language teacher, a STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math) teacher at Morse High School, and a district-wide technology integration position, according to RSU 1 Business Manager Debra Clark.

The budget also includes approximately $58,000 toward increased time for an elementary school nurse. A part-time position is being replaced by a full-time employee, Clark said earlier this week.

Public forums on the spending plan will be held at Bath Middle School, 6 Old Brunswick Road, at 6 p.m. both Monday, April 6, and Monday, April 27. Once approved by the RSU 1 Board of Directors, the budget goes to two public votes: A district budget meeting May 26, and a budget validation referendum June 9.

Alex Lear can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 113 or alear@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @learics.