JAY — Voters from Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls approved an $18.80 million budget for Regional School Unit 73 on Thursday night.

The 2016-17 budget of $19.03 million included money for an elevator and bleachers.

Superintendent Kenneth Healey said he was notified Monday of a $60,936 increase in health benefits that was not anticipated.

The 2016-17 budget reflects a decrease of $190,414 in state aid. It includes $798,320 carried over from this fiscal year, and $424,686 in unallocated funds. 

One voter asked what was included in the category of Other Instruction. Healey said it covers academics, athletics, field trips and sports trips. Figures showed a decrease of $92,102 for the coming year.

Another voter asked for an explanation of the school board’s recommendation of $1.65 million, which is $1.30 million above the state’s allocation model.

Healey said there were a number of factors in that recommendation, such as the industrial arts program, co-curricular activities, interventionists at the elementary schools, and a nurse and clerical staff in every building. There is also $450,000 more included for athletics.

Healey said it was believed these were necessary for a solid educational program. He said there is such a large group of students receiving free or reduced-price meals that a pay-to-play program for athletics couldn’t be supported.

The assessments to each town are:

* Jay, $8.59 million, a decrease of $373,503 from this year;

* Livermore, $1.89 million, a decrease of $53,326; and

* Livermore Falls, $1.63 million, an increase of $8,030.

A budget referendum in all three towns is scheduled Tuesday, April 26.

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