DEXTER – SAD 46 residents will receive an explanation of the proposed $9 million spending plan for 2005-2006 at an informational meeting at 7 p.m. May 25, at Dexter Regional High School.

Action on the budget, which reflects an increase of $194,056 over this year’s budget, will be conducted during a referendum vote on June 7.

Even though the budget reflects an increase, the assessments to Dexter, Ripley, Garland and Exeter were reduced by $64,686 collectively, according to school officials.

SAD 46 Superintendent Lester Butler said recently that the district was on the receiving end of legislative changes in the school funding formula.

What also helped offset the tax commitment was the application of $250,000 in carry-over or surplus. That carry-over was the result of a freeze on spending in the district early in the year when preliminary state subsidy figures indicated the district might take a significant financial hit under then-proposed legislation.

The district will need to raise $1,872,542 in local allocation to receive $5.3 million in state subsidy.

Beyond that, taxpayers will be asked to raise an extra $277,158 as the local option to fund such programs as Reading Recovery, physical education and Day Treatment positions.