The Fayette School Committee is reviewing its policy on use of the Fayette Central School at 2023 ME-17, Select Board Chairperson Mike Carlson said at the Oct. 1 board meeting. “The school has never been closed to public use, only private use,” he said. Franklin Journal file photo

FAYETTE — The Fayette School Committee has pulled its policy on use of the Fayette Central School at 2023 ME-17, Select Board Vice Chairperson Mike Carlson advised the board at its meeting last week.

“At the last meeting, they reviewed their public use policy and have pulled it for reconsideration,” Carlson said at the Oct. 1 meeting. “It will go through two more readings, so any action on it probably won’t be final until at least December or January of 2025.”

Carlson clarified a common misconception about access to the building.

“The school has never been closed to public use, only private use,” Carlson said. “People couldn’t host birthday parties or private gatherings but Select Board meetings and public events have always been allowed here.”

He also addressed concerns about the kitchen, explaining that its limited use stems from “food service regulations and protecting the health of the kids that go to this school.”

One resident asked why access to the school for gatherings, particularly on weekends, had changed.

The answer: “COVID.”

Chairperson Lacy Badeau also weighed in, directing residents to the proper channels for more information. “That is a question for the School Committee. I would direct you to the superintendent,” she said, emphasizing that the Select Board has no control over the school building’s use.

In addition to the building use policy, Carlson shared updates on School Committee activities, including the success of a recent flower sale, a grant received for a bat and ball program, and preparations for winter.

The new gym teacher got a grant from the United States Specialty Sports Association to work on bat and ball programs, Carlson said. He also mentioned that the school had purchased new iPads with a 1% reimbursable grant, conducted a dental screening for students, and completed a successful book fair.

Under the finance report, Carlson mentioned that insurance costs were coming in higher than expected. “Their insurance costs are more expensive than they thought, and the Finance Committee will be asking for more financial details when line items aren’t lining up,” he explained.

Property taxes were another major point of discussion. Badeau expressed concerns about the elimination of the state’s property tax stabilization program for residents over 65, which has resulted in tax increases in other towns. She stressed the board’s focus on keeping taxes manageable. “Our (tax) rate didn’t increase very much this year, and hopefully we can continue with that.”

Badeau also highlighted the importance of keeping an eye on potential legislative action regarding property tax relief.

“I was thinking about a homestead increase, something we should keep an eye on,” she said. “I’m thinking the Legislature is going to take some action on property tax relief. We are doing everything we can to keep our taxes low, and still operate the town and pave the roads.”