Old Orchard Beach voters to decide on $18.4 million school budget at June referendum

Old Orchard Beach voters on June 9 will have the final say on whether to approve a nearly $18.4 million Fiscal year 2027 school budget.

The Regional School Unit 23 budget, covering schools in Old Orchard Beach, must go through three rounds of approval before it’s finalized.

The proposed fiscal year 2027 school budget received initial approval from the school board, and then received the second necessary approval at a town-hall style meeting Monday night at Old Orchard Beach High School, with 12 voters in attendance.

The school budget will now go to a referendum vote on June 9 for final approval. The polls will be open that day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Old Orchard Beach High School.

The suggested $18.4 million school budget does not include the municipal budget, which will receive final approval by the Town Council.

The proposed school budget, if approved, would mark a 4.9 percent increase on the local tax levy.

The proposed school budget would increase the mil rate by .30. A 30-cent increase in the mil rate would increase taxes annually by $120 on a $400,000 home.

The proposed school budget combined with the anticipated town budget is expected to increase the mil rate by .76.

For more information on the proposed RSU 23 Fiscal Year 2027 budget, go to the RSU 23 website.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.