Dear Editor:

First, I want to make sure everyone is aware that these are my thoughts on the school energy project and not of the Board of Selectman.

Recent comments in the newspaper, on Facebook and at public meetings have stated that members of the Select Board are taking a confrontational approach toward the School Board and the Superintendent. I have said in many meetings that I have a problem with the process that is being used to fund the project. I realize the School Committee is doing what they are entitled to do according to Title 20 of the State Statutes, but my concern is for the spending of tax dollars that have not been appropriated.

Jan. 26, the Wiscasset School Committee reauthorized Superintendent of Schools Heather Wilmot to carry out an energy project of up to $1.75 million.

The project is to begin in March, before the town votes in June on next year’s budget.

Selectman Jeff Slack asked if the energy project could be a stand-alone article on the June school warrant. He was told it would be part of the school operations budget. Once the lease agreement is signed the town is obligated.

The Select Board has been criticized in the past for spending money that has not been appropriated by a vote of the people. I feel the taxpayers have the right to vote on the project prior to June. We are spending their tax dollars and another 14 percent increase in taxes cannot be handled by some of our citizens. Do I feel the project should be done? Probably, but what about doing it in phases? I understand that there has been no maintenance done to the high school since before Maine Yankee closed, so why try to do it all in one big swoop?

So, if the School Committee and the Superintendent feel I was confrontational to them at a public meeting I apologize. The time has come to move on from this current atmosphere and begin to respect each other’s role and position as elected officials and to work toward what is best for the children and taxpayers of Wiscasset.

Judith Colby

Wiscasset