Yarmouth moves $2 million school recreation bond to ballot
On Nov. 3, Yarmouth voters will decide whether to borrow $2 million to fund several recreation facilities projects at Yarmouth schools.
The district would replace the synthetic turf field and track at Yarmouth High School, both of which are deteriorating, according to the Yarmouth School Committee. The playground at the Yarmouth Elementary School, which is 25 years old and has no available replacement parts, would be fully replaced. The project would also expand the recreation opportunities at Harrison Middle School and make the play space more accessible.
The district worked with consultants and school groups on the proposal through the 2025-26 school year. While the play areas at the elementary and middle schools remain compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the more accessible updates would provide usability to all students “beyond the minimum,” said Yarmouth School Committee Chair Sarah Olivares at the Aug. 20 Town Council meeting.
The school department estimates that the total cost of the project will be $3.14 million, but due to $1.1 million already reserved for the turf and track replacement, only $2.05 million needs to be borrowed.
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At the Town Council meeting, residents and council members expressed concern over the cost to taxpayers and the project’s funding method. According to Councilor Meghan Casey, for a homeowner of a house valued at $800,000 — the average in Yarmouth — the tax increase would be $56 annually for the bond.
“I realize this is a very difficult thing to bring forward in a fiscally sensitive time. I know that everybody’s budgets are tight and we are really trying to be mindful of that in what we are planning for,” said Olivares, who added that deferring the project would likely mean it would get more expensive.
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The public and council also discussed the fairness of putting it on the ballot when not all Yarmouth resident have members of their household who would use the new facilities. Of Yarmouth’s total $49 million in taxes to be raised this fiscal year, about 71% went toward schools.
“I just think putting this on the ballot will divide the town even more right now. It’s poor timing,” said Miriam Marchesi, who also said she would be uncomfortable with her two young children playing on artificial turf due to health concerns.
Speaking in favor of the project, several Yarmouth sports coaches voiced support of the track and field replacement, as did parents of Yarmouth students.
“This is not a luxury item. This is a basic necessity that a municipality like Yarmouth should be providing,” said Jason Jabar, Yarmouth High School’s assistant football coach.
The councilors discussed the value of the project as well as the challenges of funding it.
“It is a small price, in some ways, to pay for our children to continue to have a healthy athletic experience,” said Casey.
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Councilor Jennifer Monti said while she wants these upgrades, she doesn’t think this “tax disguised as a bond” was a responsible way to go about it and wanted to find another financial structure through which to fund the project.
Monti and Councilor Mike Ting both questioned whether there was sufficient financial planning and exploration of financing options for this project before it will be brought to voters and added to residents’ tax bill.
“This vote is about accountability and responsibility about how we make decisions with public money,” said Ting.
The council voted 5-2 to move the bond question to the ballot, with Monti and Ting voting against it.
“I think that we should put it to a vote. Everyone here seems to have very strong opinions, and let’s let them be heard,” said Yarmouth school parent Alena Furlong, who spoke in favor of the project.
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Tagged: ballot question, election 2026, yarmouth schools
Sophie is a community reporter for Cumberland, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth and Falmouth and previously reported for the Forecaster. Her memories of briefly living on Mount Desert Island as a child drew her. More by Sophie Burchell
