The Saco City Council will conduct a public hearing on the second and final reading regarding the school bond question on Sept. 6. The council will decide then whether to move forward with the ballot question or vote it down. If the question is moved forward, citizens will vote on Nov. 8.

A master plan to upgrade and/or replace the school physical plant is necessary to inform the public of various costs, improvements and alternatives. Saco Citizens for Sensible Government received a copy of the 2012 Assessment of the Saco Schools; however, this report is in need of updating. A copy is on the school website (sacoschools.org), and was made available to the council. Lacking is an update to this assessment.

Always of concern is the financing of the construction project. If the bond question passes, here is the impact to taxpayers:

• Amount of construction bond (30-year bond) – $21,500,000

• Estimated interest for 30 years – $9,982,500

• Total principal and interest – $31,482,500

• Mill rate per $1,000 (year one) – 64 cents

Example: An average house assessed at $211,000 would equate to $135 levy.

SGSC recognizes that the city will be retiring some current debt that will help reduce overall taxes. We have been asked: How much debt is the City retiring in FY 2017?

The amount estimated to be retired from debt (bonds) is $400,000. Estimated cost of the first-year school construction bond payment is $1,050,000. This represents a net increase in debt payment of $650,000 the first year.

Superintendent DePatsy has been in his position for a year. He has had the opportunity to observe, learn and become familiar with the school plant, students and teachers.

Saco Citizens for Sensible Government would like the superintendent’s professional opinion regarding the physical condition of the schools, alternatives and costs. We would also like the public to be advised of future bonding impacts and how they may be affected by action or inaction.

We do recognize the position of the school board and the duty of the superintendent to promote the board’s policy; however, the community would value the benefit of his professional advice had he be given the opportunity to voice same.

If it takes another six months or a year to craft the ideal master facilities plan, so be it. Saco need not rush to judgment as recently experienced in other major capital outlays.

John Harkins
Chairperson, Saco Citizens for
Sensible Government