The stark reality of a nearly $6 million combined municipal and school budget representing a 31% increase hit Edgecomb taxpayers Aug. 2. Taxpayers opened their tax bill and saw a mil rate increase from $16.70 per $1,000 in 2023 to $21.98 in 2024. Stuart Smith is a resident, local business owner and former selectman. The mil rate increase resulted in his tax bill rising from $9,000 to over $13,000. Smith was part of about a dozen taxpayers who complained about the tax increase during the Aug. 6 board meeting. 

“I found the bill shocking. I think the budget committee and school committee dropped the ball here,” Smith said. “Something needs to be done about this, this year. A lot of people are going to struggle with this. And I know people who are crying over this.”

Selectman Michael Maxim expected residents to express concerns at the first meeting after 2024 tax bills were mailed. He explained that taxpayers all over Maine experienced higher than usual tax bills. He also explained that continued high inflation rates along with a reduction in state education funding, and an end of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds hit taxpayers hard.

“The tax bills reflected what was passed by voters at the town meeting. That’s how we landed here in this position,” Maxim said. “We are fighting challenging times. None of us (selectmen) found this to be an easy job.” Both Maxim and Selectman Lynn Norgang told residents that they were surprised voters approved the school budget. Norgang added that during the budget meetings, the selectboard implored school officials to reduce their proposal. “We hammered them on finding more ways to cut the budget,” she said. “We asked them to find ways to reduce the budget, and when they didn’t make significant cuts, I didn’t think it would pass.”

The municipal and school budget increase was 17%; the loss of state and federal revenue resulted in more local spending resulting in a large mil rate increase.

Seasonal residents seem to be hardest hit by the tax bills. William Anthony lives in Chicago, Illinois and spends about five months per year in Edgecomb. Anthony told selectmen he pays around $12,000 in taxes and considers himself a “part of the community.” He previously contacted selectmen a few years ago and volunteered to work with other residents, both seasonal and year-round, to consider ways to reduce spending. “I contacted past selectboards and told them I wanted to help, but no one responded,” he said. 

Smith advised town officials to look at cost-cutting measures like closing Edgecomb Eddy School. Smith told selectmen Boothbay Region Elementary School has enough space to absorb the approximately 80 Edgecomb elementary students. “I’ve spoken to people in Boothbay, and there is space available for our students without hiring more teachers or raising our tuition rates,” he said. 

Jack Brennan and Janet Blevins both served on the budget committee. Both expressed gratitude residents wanted a more active role in municipal budgetary issues, but had a question of their own for concerned taxpayers. “It’s great to see you all here. There has never been this much public discussion about the budget. But the question I ask now is ‘Why are you here now,’” he said. “We had budget meetings during the winter and that was the time to speak out,” Brennan said. He reminded them the 2024 budget was approved by 64 residents who attended the annual May town meeting.

The concerned taxpayers agreed to participate in future municipal and school budget discussions. Maxim complimented the concerned citizens for addressing their grievances in a productive manner. “We do appreciate you all coming and presenting your concerns in a respectful manner. I think we made some progress as far as moving toward forming other citizen committees to review cost-saving options,” Maxim said. 

Norgang told residents changes are needed in the budget process. If the school budget continues to rise, discussion could turn to closing the school, she said. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20 in the conference room.