A draft 2012-2013 Great Salt Bay Community School budget proposal includes an $116,765 (2.38 percent) increase from 2011-2012, placing the total budget at about $5.02 million.
A district-wide eight percent increase in the cost of health insurance and salary increases for administration, faculty and staff largely account for the increase. Facilities maintenance, special education and transportation all show significant decreases.
The budget is subject to approval by the Great Salt Bay School Board and the voters of the Great Salt Bay Consolidated School District, made up of Bremen, Damariscotta and Newcastle.
Central Lincoln County School System Superintendent Steve Bailey notes the 2.38 percent increase is less than the 4.2 percent increase voters approved last spring, despite a five percent increase in student population during the course of the 2011-2012 academic year.
The impact of the budget proposal on Bremen, Damariscotta and Newcastle tax bills remains unknown, as the revenue picture is not yet clear, Bailey said.
If voters pass the budget, it would top $5 million for the first time in the school’s history.
