Ellsworth council approves FY2027 school budget orders and refers measures to voters

Ellsworth’s City Council on Thursday read and approved a set of orders (040900 A–J) that set the city’s FY2027 school appropriations, establish several reserves, and refer the measures to the voters.

School Superintendent Amy told the council that version four of the budget packet reallocated an amount originally scheduled in debt service into student and staff services after bids for an instructional-technology classroom upgrade came in lower than anticipated. "We actually will be able to do the project in the FY27 budget as planned without having to finance it and pay interest over time," Amy said, explaining that the district will use a reserve account to avoid long-term financing.

Amy also asked the council to increase the student and staff support reserve by $25,000, raising it from $125,000 to $150,000 and covering the full project cost with a combination of that reserve and student and staff services funds.

On the record the council read each order. Highlights included City Order 040900A, which appropriates $8,471,827.84 toward the local share for prekindergarten–grade 12 essential programs and services under Maine Revised Statutes Title 20‑A, section 15688; Order 040900C, which records an amended additional local funds amount of $7,562,718.02; and Order 040900D, which authorizes the school board to expend $34,413,781.64 for the coming fiscal year from specified sources.

Orders 040900E–I were taken together and included appropriations and reserves for programs and contingencies: adult education ($237,119.03); food services ($275,502.75); authority for grant-funded expenditures; minor capital ($15,000); special education reserve ($25,000); student transportation reserve ($25,000); student and staff support reserve ($150,000); food service reserve ($10,000); and a facilities and maintenance reserve ($75,000). Order 040900J authorizes the school board to use any additional state subsidy received during the year to increase school expenditures or reserves or to reduce the local cost share consistent with Title 20‑A, section 15671‑A.

The council called for votes on each order as required; each motion carried on voice votes recorded as “all those in favor… motion carries.” No public speakers came forward during the hearing. Council members and staff thanked the school board, employees, and staff for their work; the measures will now be placed before voters in the upcoming referendum.

What happens next: the orders approved by the council will be presented to voters as part of the referendum process for FY2027 school funding.