By David Harry

Staff Writer

The fate of the $21.2 million fiscal year 2012 Cape Elizabeth school budget is now in the hands of voters after it was passed 5-1 Monday by town councilors.

Councilor James Walsh recused himself from the vote because his wife is employed by the school department, but joined the council majority of 5-2 in approving the $8.9 million fiscal year 2012 municipal operations budget.

Councilor Jessica Sullivan opposed both budgets because she said it is not the year to grant pay increases to school or municipal employees when residents on fixed incomes are struggling economically. Councilor Caitlin Jordan joined Sullivan in opposing the municipal budget.

An amendment by Jordan to prevent the purchase of a used grader for $140,000 by the public works department was voted down 5-2. The purchase is part of the $566,000 capital projects section of the budget but drew opposition from residents, including Tom Dunham and Dave Griffin, who said it might only be used 65 hours annually.

Jordan also wondered if renting a grader to clear roads would be a more economical plan for the town. Sullivan supported her amendment.

In passing the school and community services budgets, councilors praised work done by interim School Superintendent Ken Murphy and the school board. 

McGovern estimated the school budget, if approved, will add 33 cents to the current property tax rate of $17.86 per $1,000 of assessed value. The municipal budget increases the tax rate by 9 cents, for a total increase of 42 cents based on current tax rates. McGovern said the final tax rates will not be known until ongoing revaluation of town properties is completed.

The referendum for the school budget will be held 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 10 at Cape Elizabeth High School. 

Staff Writer David Harry can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 219.