MONTICELLO, Maine — Monticello students will remain a part of the RSU 29 district for the foreseeable future.
By a 3-1 margin at the polls Monday, voters shot down a proposal that would have seen the town explore the concept of withdrawing from the school district. The referendum question was prompted by a citizen’s petition in January and sought to spend up to $30,000 to explore if withdrawing from the school district would be in the town’s best interests.
A total of 173 residents cast ballots during the election period Monday. There are about 500 registered voters in the community. The withdrawal referendum failed by a vote of 39 in favor (23 percent) and 134 opposed.
RSU 29 Superintendent Mike Hammer said Tuesday morning that he was pleased the voters of Monticello opted to stay with the district.
“We have an economy of scale based on our per-pupil expenditure or what it costs to educate a child,” Hammer said. “I truly believe that if Monticello had to pay for special education, transportation and administration costs it would have increased their budget.
“I also believe that Jen (Johnston) and Sandra (Wilkins) have strong voices for the town of Monticello and for the district,” Hammer added. “Had the townspeople decided to tuition their students to RSU 29 they may have lost some of that local control that some seemed to think was important. Overall I am very satisfied that we can remain together and that this is behind us. We have to get ready for a busy and potentially difficult budget season.”
Andrew Lynds was elected to a one-year term on the board of selectmen with 161 votes. He fills the seat left vacated by William Lambert, who moved. Margaret Cook received four votes as a write-in.
Incumbent Gary Sewell (109 votes) and Logan Brewer (86 votes) were elected to three-year selectmen terms. Melody Stephens-Faulkner received 67 votes, while Margaret Cook had 16 as a write-in.
For the RSU 29 board, incumbent Jennifer Johnston (104 votes) defeated Jeannie Tapley (50) for a three-year seat on the school board.
Due to vacations and election of new members, only one selectman — Jimmy Burpee — was present for Monday night’s town meeting, which lasted just over an hour. Michael Jenkins served as the moderator.
Residents approved a municipal budget in the amount of $594,312, which is an increase of $45,532 over last year. The increased budget is due to a $5,000 hike in solid waste expenses; a $5,000 leap in insurance and unemployment compensation; $5,000 rise in garage operations/equipment; and $5,000 jump in winter roads maintenance.
The town also had to add $20,000 for maintenance, heating fuel, insurance and electricity for the former Wellington school building. The town took over ownership of the property in August. From Aug. 1 to Dec. 31, the town spent nearly $11,000 to maintain the building.
“We are (financially) obligated to maintain that building,” Town Manager Ginger Pryor said. “I hope this is the only year we have to do this.”
