This is the fifth in a six-part series related to the district budget, with this week's focus on the proposed budget's implications for taxpayers.
MSAD #51 has a long history of balancing spending priorities with the community's ability to pay for these priorities. We know that each year it is challenging for taxpayers to see their tax bills rising to pay for school and municipal services, on top of other forms of taxation such as state and federal income taxes. Given that one of the most important responsibilities of a community is the education of its youth, the largest percentage of local taxes does rest with the schools. This is certainly not unique to MSAD #51, but one of the greater challenges here is that the vast majority of taxes is borne by homeowners as neither town has enough businesses to help shoulder the impact.
Given this reality, the Board and administration have been cognizant that we must present budgets that thoughtfully balance the needs of our students with how much we can ask homeowners to pay. Below is a history of expenditures and corresponding tax effects since 2015. Though expenditures have increased since the pandemic, we have tried hard to keep tax levels below the cost of inflation as much as possible.
To put this in perspective, it is important to look beyond our borders and see how we compare to surrounding school districts. As shown below, both towns again are projecting lower school tax increases over the next fiscal year than most surrounding districts.
It should be noted that we have been able to keep tax increases at a moderate rate despite being one of the very few school districts in our region, and all of Maine, that is consistently growing in student enrollment. Couple this with minimal business infrastructure to help offset taxes, we have worked hard to propose budgets that support the exemplary school district the community has come to expect, with its ability to fund priorities which are at the crux of what has made it exemplary in the first place.
Finally, I want to acknowledge all of the American soldiers who have given their all, their very lives, for the nation to which we call home. A democracy does not sustain itself in a tenuous world without sacrifice. It is from the blood of patriots that we are free today. There are no words to express the gratitude owed to those who have given their all so that we can enjoy the blessings of freedom.
Part 4: Budget Impacts
Part 3: Budget Organization
Part 2: Determining Budget Priorities
Part 1: Budget Process