By Amanda Estes
Editor
In light of the June 10 school budget referendum in which an advisory ballot revealed a majority of voters felt a 4.6 percent increase in spending from last year’s budget was insufficient, Councilor David Backer said the council has “an obligation to put out a 6 percent increase” to the voters at the July 22 referendum.
On June 10, 1,891 residents voted against the $19.7 million budget while 1,250 residents voted to approve it. In an advisory vote, 1,638 residents said the 4.6 percent increase was too low, while 1,110 voters said it was too high.
On Monday The majority of councilors said they still believe a 4.6 percent increase was a “reasonable compromise” and a $19.9 million school budget will be a major blow to taxpayers.
Backer said there is a divisive notion in town that “if you don’t support 6 percent and you’re not willing to give the school board everything they recommend, you’re not a school supporter.”
“It’s an $800,000 plus increase over last year’s spending,” he said.
Councilor Jim Rowe, who was the only councilor to vote against the 6 percent budget Monday night, said he “won’t abandon” the people who told him they cannot sustain another tax hike.
Council Chairman Mary Ann Lynch voted for the 6 percent increase, but said, “I continue to believe it’s more than we need.”
She said the 4.6 percent budget recognized the importance of the schools, but also recognized the roughly 20 percent of the town who qualify for the circuit breaker program.
“I am very concerned about how people in this town and in this state are going to heat their homes this winter,” she said. “We’re headed for absolute catastrophe.”
Resident Tom Dunham said he was also concerned for people on limited incomes.
“What’s it going to be next year and the year after?” he asked. “At some point it’s going to drive people out of town.”
Warren Roos said he moved to Cape Elizabeth for its school system, but said that system is no longer preeminent.
“Give ‘em exactly what they want because that’s our future,” he said.
Councilor Sara Lennon said supporters of the 6 percent budget are not in favor of throwing out fiscal restraint.
“Some feel 6 percent is necessary to make up for last year’s, when there was too much excessive spending restraint,” she said.
Absentee voting is currently underway at town hall for the second citizen validation referendum. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22 at Cape Elizabeth High School.
For more information or for absentee ballots, contact Town Clerk Ruth Noble at 767-7473.