Dear Editor:

I am writing to express my grave concern regarding the Edgecomb School Board’s proposed budget increase of $621,000 - a 20% increase over this year’s budget! This is not a minor adjustment; it is an enormous, unsustainable leap that would likely trigger another substantial tax hike for every homeowner and business in Edgecomb: REMEMBER the 32% tax increase we faced just two years ago?

While we all fully support our students and recognize that taxpayers are the pillars of the solid education at Edgecomb Eddy School, we must also demand fiscal prudence from our School Board. At a time when many residents are already struggling with the rising cost of living, a tax burden of this magnitude is simply unacceptable. The school administration needs to manage their costs. We must collectively ask: is every dollar of this $621,000 proposed increase truly necessary? Roughly 65% percent of this proposed budget is associated with increased labor and benefit costs at the school. Yes, there is healthcare inflation but a 65% increase in labor is far beyond inflation.

Can the school administration please work on a level budget for 2027 adjusted for inflation?

I urge all Edgecomb residents to take immediate action by attending the upcoming committee meetings and to speak out before this proposal is finalized. We cannot afford to stay silent while our town’s financial future is on the line. The School Board and the Select Board need to hear directly from the taxpayers who will be expected to foot this bill. There are many successful schools that provide an excellent education with much less.

Upcoming meetings:

- School Board: Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 5 p.m., Edgecomb Eddy School

- Select Board: Tuesday, March 3 at 6 p.m., Town Office

- Budget Committee: Wednesday, March 4 at 6 p.m., Town Office

- Select Board: Tuesday, March 17 at 6 p.m., Town Office

Gale Willauer

Edgecomb