10-24-2005 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 24, 2005 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. White moved, Murphy seconded, closing the Public Hearing at 7:17 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 0. PRESENTATION 4. MIKE BASH — ORONO SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUM Bash, a member of the Orono Board of Education, gave a presentation regarding four ballot questions related to funding for school operations and capital improvements on the referendum scheduled for November 8, 2005. The four questions include, operating fund, technology, short term renovation bond, and long term renovation bond. As there has been no increase in the state levy, Bash explained that the state legislature has given schools permission to seek an increase directly from the voters. While Orono schools were one of the only few to get 5 stars on all government standards, it ranks 340`h of 343 based on its school tax rate, thereby making it far below average in the amount of spending for its schools. Bash pointed out that, though Orono residents are getting a first rate education for their dollar, eventually that lack of investment will have an impact of the quality of education and property values. Bash explained that the facilities plan includes a short term renovation project of items that must be • completed within 5 years to continue basic mechanical operations and long term operations items that must be completed in the next 6 -10 years. Bash noted that even if all four questions on the ballot pass, Orono will continue to have one of the lowest school tax rates in the state, while property values continue to rise. Acting Mayor Sansevere asked why the past superintendent was given a package which covered his health care costs for life, even though that superintendent was no longer at Orono. In fact, Sansevere felt it was a travesty that this past superintendent had not volunteered or been asked to forfeit this perk when he left Orono, thus leaving this burden on the community. Bash stated that, though he was not member of the board at the time, it was his understanding that, oftentimes, alternative compensation packages were enhanced in such a manner to entice certain candidates to the state, though it has now been recognized as a costly alternative. Bash encouraged the Council to look forward. Acting Mayor Sansevere stated that, while he would be supporting all four questions, he would like to see someone approach the past superintendent and at least request that he consider cutting his ties to Orono by giving up this portion of his alternative compensation package covering his healthcare. Murphy maintained that the City is caught in the classic political effort between government requirements that cities perform at certain levels, lack of funding, which leaves funding up to local municipalities. White thanked Bash for his presentation, noting that schools are the heart of the community, and • that in Orono, the quality of education is second to none. PAGE 2 of 9