SKOWHEGAN — Solid support in Norridgewock, and a close but positive vote on the article calling for additional local funds enabled School Administrative District 54 to pass a $31.2 million budget Monday.

By a 710-689 tally, the six district towns approved $3,609,792 in additional local funds for 2007-2008. The summary article calling for the entire package passed by an 801-608 margin.

Overall, the SAD 54 budget equates to a decrease of taxes by 2.68 percent. Skowhegan got the largest break, 4.17 percent.

The lakeside community of Smithfield, however, absorbed a tax increase of 7.48 percent. The state funding formula is based largely on property valuations.

Larry Grard
Staff Writer