School roof, fire truck spark debate at town meeting

PENOBSCOT-Close to 100 Penobscot residents voted on municipal and school budgets at their annual town meeting on March 4, with extensive discussion aimed at a confusing state funding formula, a new roof for the school, and a new truck for the fire department.

- JOHN EPSTEIN

Prior to the evening gathering, voters made history when they chose Deborah Albrecht as the moderator for the town meeting, held in the gym of the Penobscot Community School. Albrecht became the first woman in Penobscot's history to serve in that role, gaveling the meeting to order promptly at 7 p.m.

Confusion over school formula

The school board and finance committee presented 16 school funding articles for a fiscal year that runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Voters easily approved articles for regular instruction ($1,266,538) and special education costs ($272,351). Voters had minimal questions regarding costs related to extracurricular activities, food service and busing, as well as guidance, library and health services.

Voters delved into the details of $128,693 for services provided by the School Union 93 Superintendent's Office.

Superintendent Derek Perkins explained that the various Union 93 towns on the Blue Hill Peninsula pay a percentage share of the costs based on their size, with Penobscot being on the lower end because of its small student body.