Gorham voters passed the $38.9 million F19 budget approved by the Town Council 2431 to 1664. This represents a 3.5% increase over the F18 budget and adds $255 to the taxes on a house assessed at $250,000.

Faced with balancing taxpayer concerns with the need to accommodate a growing school enrollment, the Town Council reduced the budget proposed by the School Committee by $346,000 on June 5. Although by law the Council may not tell the School Committee how monies are to be allocated, the Committee had informed the Council that further reductions would result in eliminating funds for additional instructional personnel. The reduction cut monies for busses, supplies, computers, professional development, and building maintenance, but it preserved funding for essential student services and keeps elementary class sizes within the acceptable range.

Residents also voted to retain ranked-choice voting for primary elections for state and federal officials, as well as for general elections of U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators. The vote was 2158 to 2010.

Republican and Democrat primary voters used ranked-choice voting to select candidates for governor. Shawn Moody received 82% of the vote in Gorham, and more than 50% of the vote statewide to take the Republican nomination. As no democratic candidate received more than 50% of the vote, the final counts could be delayed for nearly a week as the State allows three days for municipalities to send in results.

Gorham’s unofficial election results are as follows. For more details, visit www.gorham-me.org.