The rift was over Green’s assertion that the council charter limits its authority to the bottom line figure, not line-by-line cuts.

Green went over the proposed budget, as well as Maine Department of Essential Programs and Services. He identified areas where Lisbon schools meet EPS standards and where they exceed or fall below.

Green identified the excessive areas as those that should be targeted for cuts rather than the council-advised line item cuts. Nurses, student resource officers and the volunteer coordinator were main areas Green advised as being above EPS standards and should be targeted for reduction.

One of the issues faced in the budget battle is who can implement cuts.

The town charter reads, “The Council may adopt the school budget as proposed and may amend it, but such amendments shall be limited to adding to or decreasing the total amount of the budget.”

Council Chairman Dillon Pesce told Green that town lawyers assured him the council’s line-item approach is sound, but Green pointed to where the charter limited council power to the bottom line.

“Since June, the professional working relationship between the town and the school has been strained to say the least,” Green said. “We need to put our differences aside and focus on developing a fiscally responsible budget that is transparent and provides the needs and services of both the town and the school department.”

Green asked the council for a straw poll vote to see where the public stood on the council-directed cuts.

Pesce replied, “I’m not going to ask the council for a straw poll vote. What I am going to do is after audience participation there will be an opportunity for any councilor to voice their opinions again.”

Pesce asked Green what he would do if the council does not change its mind regarding the $600,000.

Green said co-curricular monies would disappear, jobs would be cut and it “would hurt.”

“If the directive doesn’t change and you want those particular lines — that’s when this will get much larger than what it is,” Green said, gesturing to the number of people behind him.

Among the many parents who addressed the council, Sandy Ward said she raised 10 children in Lisbon schools. She applauded cheerleaders for taking the state title, and the football team.

“I challenge each and every one of you Town Council members to come to the Unified Basketball team on Monday and you’ll see what our schools are about.”

As parents and a few students came forward, applause from the crowd grew louder.

Norman Albert said he has two girls in the school system. After hearing about the deep cuts, he said, “I looked at a charter school — I didn’t want to look at a charter school but I looked at a charter school, because I’m not comfortable or confident in the decisions that are being made, or considered with the students’ best interest.

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