Selectboard — March 9, 2026
Selectboard removes high-cost school articles following resident outcry over 'piecemeal' spending
The meeting was marked by strong public opposition to school spending and spirited debate among board members regarding the accuracy and necessity of large capital requests.
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At the March 9 Selectboard meeting, the tension between municipal spending and taxpayer burden reached a boiling point. The central conflict involved a massive surge in York High School capital requests, which jumped from $5.7 million to over $26 million without a comprehensive reorganization plan to back them up.
Residents voiced strong opposition during the public hearing, calling the proposed $23M–$28M improvement package "piecemeal." Many neighbors expressed concern that these requests are being used to bypass the larger, previously rejected $88 million consolidation plan, all while property taxes continue to rise and school rankings face scrutiny.
Even within the Selectboard, there were significant concerns. One member pointed out the lack of a vetted roadmap and noted that the school department had not even consulted the Police Chief regarding the safety and security implications of the proposed renovations.
Ultimately, the Board moved to remove several high-cost or poorly defined school articles (Articles 60 through 65) from the draft warrant to address these concerns. As we head toward the May 2026 referendum, the community must continue to ask: Are we investing in a long-term vision for our students, or are we just managing a series of expensive, uncoordinated repairs?
Public impact
Significant; includes a proposed $23-$28 million capital improvement package for York High School.
The board removed several school articles (60-65) from the warrant to address lack of detail and cost concerns.
The proposal is slated for consideration on the May 2026 ballot/referendum.
Changes to principal building frontages and height/setback exceptions.
The board voted to place the amendment on the May 2026 special general referendum ballot.
The amendment will move to the May 2026 special general referendum.
Topics discussed
The board reviewed the consent agenda, which included February 23rd meeting minutes, a poll permit, and three business license renewals.
The motion to accept the consent agenda passed 5-0.
The DPW Superintendent presented a proposal to repair a concrete box culvert under Long Beach Avenue using a culvert liner method.
The board voted to award the bid for the culvert rehabilitation to CLH and Sons Inc. for $105,500.
The Fire Chief requested approval for an overhead exhaust system to improve firefighter health by removing engine exhaust from the station.
The board approved the purchase of an Airvac 911 system from Air Vacuum Corporation for $54,440, to be funded by the supplementary contingency account.
The York Beach Fire Chief proposed a hydraulic rack system for Engine 5 to improve the safety and speed of deploying water tanks.
The board approved contracting with Greenwood Emergency Vehicles for the installation at a cost of $39,376.
Several residents voiced opinions regarding the York Public Library budget, property taxes, and municipal spending.
The board listened to various public comments regarding the library and general tax concerns.
The York School Committee presented a revised capital request regarding school building reorganization and York High School improvements.
The public hearing was opened for comments regarding the budget and capital requests.
Public discussion regarding a proposed $23 million to $28 million capital improvement package for York High School and its relationship to larger school reorganization plans.
The board engaged in a long public hearing with various residents expressing conflicting views on fiscal responsibility and school planning. The board decided to move forward by reviewing specific warrant articles one by one and removing several high-cost or poorly defined school articles from the draft warrant.
The proposal is slated for consideration for the May 2026 ballot/referendum.
A discussion and vote on a proposed ordinance amendment regarding the CD4 district and principal building frontages.
The board voted to place the amendment on the May 2026 special general referendum ballot.
The amendment will move to the May 2026 special general referendum.
A request from an attorney to extend the tax redemption period for a property currently owned by the town.
The board decided to allow the sale process to continue, with the understanding that if funds materialize before a contract is signed, they will revisit redemption.
Staff will communicate to the realtor that the board may consider redemption if funds are produced before a purchase and sale contract is entered.
Acceptance of a supplemental grant for phase two of an invasive plant management project.
The board unanimously approved the acceptance of the grant and authorized the town manager to sign the agreement.
Request for permission to apply for a federal grant to replace a culvert on the Cedar Trail.
The board approved moving forward with the grant application.
The Selectboard conducted a line-by-line review of the draft warrant to determine which articles to move to the May 2026 ballot.
Several articles (60, 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65) were either removed or voted not to be moved to the ballot.
The board discussed the potential for the five-year capital program and other warrant attachments to be outdated by the time they are presented to voters.
The board discussed the need to ensure the warrant is accurate before signing. The board will wait for the school committee and budget committee to finalize their preference votes before finalizing the full warrant.
The board will wait for the school committee and budget committee to finalize their preference votes before finalizing the full warrant.
The board reviewed specific amendments to the zoning ordinance, including height exceptions for York High School buildings.
The board reviewed the verbiage for the height exception and the Greenway District changes (Article 10I/74).
The board moved to approve the amended budget and referendum warrant, including specific deletions and wording changes.
The motion passed with a vote of 41-0. The warrant will be forwarded to the Town Clerk with the understanding that articles may be renumbered.
The warrant will be forwarded to the Town Clerk with the understanding that articles may be renumbered.
The board established the time and location for the upcoming budget and special general referendum.
The board voted to set polling at the Robert E. Butler Gymnasium at York High School from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
FY27 School and Town Capital Budget
York Public Library Budget
Split votes
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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