The revenue line for this year’s RSU 73 budget was $763,539 less than the previous year due to cuts in federal and state programming as well as adjustments in tuition. To increase the budget by $330,589 really means that we cut $432,950 from the initial presentation of our budget.

Jay is being asked to pay $8.9 million; Livermore, $1.5 million; and Livermore Falls, $1.4 million — the total of which is $12 million in local taxes. The total budget is $18.7 million.

The towns of Livermore and Livermore Falls are high receivers of state subsidies; together they generate $5,220,217 in state aid. Local taxes and state aid combined contribute $8,120,217. When you compare population in all three towns the financial picture is extremely even. Other revenue comes from other state/federal money, MaineCare and grants.

In 2008-09, Jay taxpayers raised $10,235,086 for schools. In Livermore, $1,659,342 was raised and, in Livermore Falls, $1,573,982.60 was raised.

Perhaps taxes are not decreasing due to the mill closing, TIFs, and town and county taxes. In a document provided by the Jay tax assessor it was noted that, in 2002, the mil rate for education in Jay was $10.27. In 2009 it was $8.47 and, in 2012, the rate is $7.

Further cuts will hinder the educational opportunities of our children. The vote on the RSU 73 budget is Tuesday, Aug. 21.

Mary Redmond-Luce, Jay

Vice Chairman, RSU 73 Board of Directors