Souhegan Eyes Default Budget Balance

The difference on the estimated tax rate for Amherst and Mont Vernon was 9 and 10 cents, respectively.

The difference between the proposed $18,550,794 Souhegan Cooperative School District Budget and the $18,378,827 default budget the School Board must make do with may be more of a math problem, at least on paper.

Community members may find out tonight at 6, when the board is scheduled to meet to discuss a proposal for the Fiscal year 2013 default budget.

The default budget is last year's operating budget, taking consideration for debt service, contracts and other obligations.

Some line items to consider in the FY13 default budget include:

• Regular programs:  $7,926,406, a $377,110 increase from prior year's operating budget.

• Special programs: $3,594,299, a $223,634 increase from last year's operating budget.

• Operation and Maintenance of Plant: $1,174,038, a decrease of $141,355.

The Souhegan Cooperative School Board is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. for a non-public session under the state's Right-to-Know law, with the regular meeting beginning at 6. Other items on the agenda include a retirement request, a $1,000 donation by Controlair Inc. to the Student Activity Fund, and discussion of policies on video surveillance of school property and service animals for students, employees and visitors of the district.