We all need to vote in the June 11 school budget referendum. Before you do, however, please make sure you have seen your new tax bill based on the town-wide revaluation. Many residents are getting 10%-15% tax increases.

Despite these punishing increases, the Town Council approved budgets that add 15 school employees and give 6-8% raises to municipal employees for the second year in a row. Town and school operating expenses are increasing by 7% and 6%, respectively. The budgets clearly do not represent painful cuts as some insist. There’s not even meaningful belt-tightening.

A “yes” vote on the school budget means you think the council did a good job of responding to taxpayer needs. A “no” vote means you believe they could have done much better. Please vote on June 11 and make your voice heard.

Steve Hanly
Scarborough