JAY — The Regional School Unit 73 board voted 11-2 Thursday night to base the cost-sharing formula for the three district towns at 80 percent property valuation and 20 percent student population, instead of 100 percent valuation.

The formula pertains to budgeted amounts that exceed programs considered essential by the state. The proposed budget for 2016-17 includes $1.3 million over the state’ Essential Programs and Services funding.

RSU 73 was formed in 2011 by the consolidation of Regional School Unit 36 in Livermore and Livermore Falls and the Jay School Department. Part of the reorganization plan included a review of the cost-sharing method in the fifth year.

Board member Shari Ouellette of Jay said adding student population to the formula would align the towns more closely. She has a business in Livermore Falls and her taxes will be affected either way, she said.

“It is the right thing to do,” Ouellette said.

The percentages for student population in the three towns are: Jay, 45 percent; Livermore Falls, 35 percent; and Livermore, 25 percent.

Board member Mark Holt of Livermore said including student population would still see Jay paying the largest share.

Using the new formula and the originally proposed budget, Jay would see a reduction of $9.26 per $100,000 valuation. Livermore would see an increase of $5.03 per $100,000, and Livermore Falls would see an increase of $42.91 per $100,000.

Some reductions have already been made to the proposed budget and more may follow.

Holt said Livermore has the fewest students but pays the most per student with the current method. “This will even out the (tax) rate for the three towns,” he said.

Board members Denise Rodzen and Tammy Frost, both of Livermore Falls, opposed the change. All other board members supported it.

The new funding formula takes effect July 1, because board members from all three towns supported the change.

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