It took two meetings, nearly five hours and the Edgecomb School Committee brought down its fiscal 27 budget under a 10% increase. On March 2, the committee voted, 3-0, to propose a $4,539,384 fiscal 27 budget reflecting a 9.2% spending increase. 

The proposed spending impacted the local property assessment with a 10.1% increase. Next year's proposed tax assessment is $3,503,673 or a $320,244 increase. In a previous draft, proposed spending was a 14.6% increase and the property tax assessment included a 19.5% hike. Feb. 25, the committee began its final deliberations, which lasted three hours and 20 minutes. The committee struggled making decisions on four final budget recommendations before tabling discussion until March 2.

The committee reconvened Monday and learned of some good news. Health insurance costs were lower than expected. The committee anticipated a 20% increase, but learned health insurance costs would cap at 14%, which was the same as this year's, according to Chairman Heather Sinclair. 

The taxpayer assessment dropped significantly after a decision to use $50,000 from the unassigned fund balance. Previously, the committee decided not to use any. The committee was hoping to see a fiscal 24 audit before making a decision.

The committee discussed a variety of options regarding transportation costs. Edgecomb's two school buses are being repaired, which resulted in the committee discussing those buses' long-term futures. Once bus was purchased in 2019, and the other in 2020.

Edgecomb is renting two buses this year. For next year, the committee proposed leasing a bus with maintenance included, and hopefully using one of the two buses being repaired.

The committee proposed hiring a cafeteria worker who will serve breakfasts, lunches and snacks. This will alleviate stress on staff who often times are pulled from their regular duties. The committee decided to put off removing school carpeting for another year. The decision will save $10,000.

But the committee will pursue removing the school doors. Superintendent Bob Kahler said the doors were the school's original set. "They are drafty which causes strain on the heating budget. Also, the new doors will provide better school security," he said. 

As far as the school pavement goes, the committee will discuss with Edgecomb's budget committee about its being a separate article. 

The school committee meets next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 in the school cafeteria.