OAKLAND — Results from two communities in Regional School Unit 18 show the $37.58 million education budget for 2018-19 on its way toward approval.
As of late Tuesday night, Oakland and Sidney were the only towns to report the results of the budget referendum. The budget passed in Oakland by a vote of 807-366 in favor with 25 blank ballots. In Sidney, the budget passed by a vote of 596-300.
The results from Rome, China and Belgrade are still outstanding. The spending plan, which was given initial approval by voters at the district’s annual budget hearing, is $1,347,294, or 3.72 percent more than the current fiscal year’s budget. The increase is being driven largely by the payments the district will make on the principal and interest of the $13.9 million bond voters approved in November.
The Oakland-based district is using $10 million of the bond to finance facilities work, including getting its 11 buildings up to state fire safety standards. The bond also is financing the construction of a $3.9 million athletic complex that will include lighting, an eight-lane track, renovation to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and a multi-sport artificial turf field.
The combined payments will total $1,989,334 for the fiscal year.
Emily Higginbotham — 861-9239
ehigginbotham@centralmaine.com
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