ORANGE — Orange Finance Committee Chairman Robert Stack had some bad news when he went before the Selectboard on May 9.

The various bodies in Orange were asking for too much money in the 2019 fiscal year — beginning July 1 — and $460,000 in cuts to proposed budgets were needed before the Annual Town Meeting on June 18.

The Ralph C. Mahar Regional School Committee voted on a $12,846,979 final general fund budget Thursday night to go to the Annual Town Meeting, an increase of 2.27 percent over this year’s $12,562,227.

However, this means a $232,579 decrease since the last proposed school budget for fiscal year 2019 was on the table, when Stack addressed the Selectboard.

More will still have to be cut from proposed budgets throughout Orange before June 18 in order to fall under the roughly $20 million the town can afford next year — a modest increase over this year’s $19.6 million.

However, Stack and Orange Selectboard Chairman Ryan Mailloux, both at the meeting, were pleased a decision was made Thursday night, given the high school, middle school, Dexter Park Elementary School and Fisher Hill Elementary School account for roughly 57 percent of Orange’s budget.

“I think this gives the Board of Selectmen an opportunity to come together as a team,” said Mailloux, thanking the School Committee.

Stack also thanked the School Committee, adding that the Finance Committee’s job is now easier knowing a decision with the schools has been made.

Notable cuts

Little in terms of state funds, low tax revenues and slowing economic growth in the area all mean that, while the schools district’s budget will increase if this budget passes the vote, cuts still have to be made.

Increasing costs, especially for health care and Special Education, and contractual salary increases were cited by the School Committee on Thursday as unavoidable challenges that prompt cuts.

An administrative position was cut from the proposed budget, freeing up $53,269, as well as two instructional staff.

Furthermore, late buses have been eliminated, as well as private lawn-keeping services.

Health insurance has been decreased by $146,386 and the technology budget has been cut by $34,496.