The Edgecomb Budget Committee is happy with overall Fiscal Year 23 budget figures proposed by school officials. On Feb. 15, the budget and school committees discussed the proposed $3,093,387 budget.

 

What town officials are most pleased about is proposed education spending is down 5.8% and the $2,332,069 total assessment reflects a 4.1% decrease. But a proposal to transfer over $200,000 in undesignated funds to school reserve accounts created a concern.

 

A week later, the budget committee had an opportunity to seek a clarification from school officials about the proposal during a Feb. 22 joint meeting between school and budget committees with the selectmen. Brennan voiced the budget committee’s concerns about holding large amounts in reserve during hard and uncertain financial times. “I think we need a bit more explanation,” he said. “We feel major capital expenses for the roof and new bus have already been addressed. What are the projected needs for these accounts,” he asked.

 

School officials say replenishing the capital reserve account would include planned and unexpected building expenses, buses or other significant items. Replenishing the contingency fund would include non-capital spending such as out-of-district tuition and increasing contracted services or staffing to meet student needs. The school committee also recommended using $350,000 from the fund balance to “build next year’s budget, and thereby lowering the amount assessed to taxpayers.” 

 

Selectman Mike Smith is a former school committee member. He supported the school committee’s plan. “You are fine. I have no issues with this,” he said.

 

Brennan also credited Sinclair for her explanation. “Our committee is still engaged in our deliberations. It was a good explanation, and we will let you know our decision,” he said. 

 

Selectmen will finalize the referendum town meeting warrant in two weeks during their board meeting. Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, March 7 in the town hall.