DYER BROOK, Maine — An increase in educational taxes is in the works for the seven communities that make up RSU 50.
The RSU 50 school board recently approved a $4,167,471 budget for the 2022-23 school year that figures to be an increase of nearly $200,000 in spending over last year’s plan.
RSU 50 Superintendent Jon Porter said the increases are due to raises in salaries for staff, an increase in fuel costs, and also electrical costs — which is something that most school districts in Aroostook County also face.
RSU 50 will receive $2,751,495 in state aid for education next year, which is an increase of $173,949 from the current year. In order to receive those funds, the district will have to contribute $1,415,976 for its required local share. That figure is an increase of $18,888.
Because the district is spending more than the state says is necessary to provide essential programs and services, RSU 50 must come up with an extra $1,219,762 in local tax dollars to balance the budget.
The impact to taxpayers will not be as harsh as originally expected as the district plans to use $495,000 from its carry forward account. Last year, the district used $395,000 in unexpended funds to help balance the budget.
A breakdown of how the proposed budget will affect each community in RSU 50 is as follows: Crystal, $226,324 (up $16,306); Dyer Brook, $239,949 (up $17,445); Hersey, $112,776 (up $112,776); Island Falls, $960,053 (up $39,600); Merrill, $197,958 (up $14,281); Oakfield, $617,753 (up $35,940); and Smyrna, $292,215 (up $21,303).
Residents will have a chance to ask questions and vote on the spending plan at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, at the Southern Aroostook Community School’s multipurpose room.
