Arundel vote is first step in withdrawal

http://post.mainelymediallc.com/news/2012-03-23/Letter/Arundel_vote_is_first_step_in_withdrawal.html

To the editor:

There will be a vote in Arundel on April 10 to allocate $35,000 from the undesignated funds to determine if withdrawal from Regional School Unit 21 is the right move for Arundel.

This money will not increase taxes and will be used to pay a consultant ($12,000), attorney ($8,000) and buffer ($8,000) for unexpected costs. Any sums not used will be returned to the fund.

The reasons for withdrawing are evident and numerous. Arundel provided a deed to its school for no consideration, six buses (one new) which were paid in full, $460,000 in carry forward money and $95,000 of tax dollars refunded from federal contingency money.

Arundel has had a disproportionate increase in taxes compared to Kennebunk and, especially, Kennebunkport. To offset the increase in the school budget and not increase taxes, other town departments were cut and a surplus in the undesignated funds was used, simply postponing the problem.

Before the consolidation with Arundel, Middle School of the Kennebunks has been dealing with an ongoing mold issue.

Arundel at this time must pay $16,000 for the next 10 years. A million-dollar roof still has not resolved the issue.

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