ROCKLAND — 1,317 voters in Cushing, Owls Head, Rockland, South Thomaston and Thomaston cast ballots for or against the proposed 2016 school budget. The majority of them (793) voted down the measure, while the other 524 voted to keep the upcoming budget as is. 

RSU 13 Business Manager Peter Orne wrote in an email that the district will temporarily use the budget approved at the Budget Meeting held on May 21, while they restart the budget process.

Orne will meet this Thursday with the Finance Committee to come up with a timeline for budget workshops, a new Budget Meeting, and referendum vote. The Budget Meeting can be held between 10 and 45 days from yesterday and the referendum within 30 days of the Budget Meeting, according to Orne.

Next, the Board will meet and approve the timeline.

“I expect the Board will give the Superintendent guidance on how they would like a revised budget to look.  For example, this could be a reduction in expenditures or a reduction in tax impact/assessments,” said Orne, who is hoping to have input by municipal officials earlier in the process.

Finally, the board will approve a budget, and that will go to the Budget Meeting. 

Orne said: “The RSU is an independent entity that comprises and serves five communities. We are mandated to provide public education to all. We are trying to put together a responsible budget that moves this district forward.” 

Voting results of each municipality are as follows:

Rockland: 195 yes; 393 no 

Cushing: 79 yes; 99 no

South Thomaston: 42 yes; 43 no

Owls Head: 64 yes; 48 no

Thomaston: 144 yes; 210 no 

Previous articles:

Rockland Councilors propose zero-percent budget increase; city tightens belt

Rockland City Council hears from RSU 13 school board

Rockland’s city manager introduces $21.6 million budget

RSU 13 school board meets with Rockland City Council Wednesday, May 20

Rockland residents urged to attend school budget meeting May 21

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com.