The private sector of the American economy has been put through the wringer for the past four years because of the Great Recession, which still continues.

Jobs have disappeared, salaries and wages have been reduced and even the level of entitlement benefits such as Social Security has been on hold for a few years. Government at most levels has had to make adjustments. There have been some cuts, freezes and layoffs to right-size public-sector programs with available taxpayer ability to pay.

Apparently, however, RSU 18, which includes Belgrade, China, Oakland, Sidney and Rome, hasn’t gotten the message. Its proposed budget will increase spending by $1.1 million and entail a substantial tax increase for most of its member towns.

The budget calls for a 2 percent raise in teacher salaries, no layoffs (except through normal attrition), no adjustment to classroom size and no change in benefits to school employees. Where’s the alleged “shared sacrifice,” except by taxpayers? Changes in this budget must be made.

The state Legislature, after very difficult negotiations and tough votes, has tried to right-size the structural deficits that have plagued state government for years by cutting back the funding level of unsustainable programs.

There is also less state money to hand down to school districts and municipalities. Many towns have responded by holding the line on projects or freezing salaries of employees. Why is RSU 18 not doing the same?

Asking for higher school-driven property taxes from hard-pressed taxpayers during this economic downturn is unconscionable and unwarranted.

This June 12, I urge the voters of RSU 18 to vote no on this school budget.

Penny Morrell, Selectman

Belgrade