IRASBURG — Irasburg passed both its town and school budgets Tuesday evening after moderate discussion. An additional $15,000 for a capital reserve was approved to be used for repair, replacement, and upgrading components of the Irasburg town school.
The total town share listed in the town report is at $482,495 which is down from 2008 budget of $488,065.
Ron Holland was elected moderator for the Irasburg school district. The town approved a vote to authorize the borrowing of money to pay indebtedness and expenses of the district. The total proposed budget was $1,865,998 which is up 3.48 percent from last year. This brought up minor arguments as to why the cost is being kept the same with enrollment down by 27 students. Some stakeholders expressed a desire to see a drop in the budget along with this decrease. “We are experiencing a decrease in enrollment for the first time in years,” Amy Leroux, chairman of the Irasburg School Board, said.
Ms. Leroux also mentioned that the school is looking at replacing one of their longtime teachers who may be retiring.
The town’s road budget of $100,000 passed with little argument. A sum of $182,700 was approved to pay current and incidental charges against the town for the ensuing year.
Among the yearly elected positions Ron Holland was elected town moderator with 74 votes. Barbara Lawson was re-elected town clerk with 71 votes and town treasurer with 96 votes, and Roger Gagnon was elected selectman for a three-year term.
Representatives Mike Marcotte and Duncan Kilmartin made an appearance and introduced a heartfelt resolution, that ended in a standing ovation, honoring the late David Turner, the previously long-standing town moderator for his many years of “conscientious and respected” service to the town of Irasburg.
