SKOWHEGAN -- Superintendent Brent Colby on Friday expressed satisfaction that all six School Administrative District towns approved the 2008-2009 budget.

It was closest in Mercer (15-12), which in recent years has rejected SAD 54 budgets. Overall, district voters approved the $32.5 million in spending by a 282-138 margin.

The budget represents an overall tax decrease of .66 percent, Colby said. Mercer, Norridgewock and Skowhegan will see tax decreases, while Canaan, Cornville and Smithfield will absorb increases.

"I'm pleased that it passed in all six communities, including Mercer, which has not been the case in recent times," Colbry said. "It's been validated twice."

Colby was referring to Monday night's district meeting at Skowhegan Area High School. About 160 voters on hand approved the budget articles on a separate basis. During that meeting, John Keister of Norridgewock questioned the wisdom of night football games, which are costly due to lighting. The facilities and maintenance portion of the budget showed a 13 percent increase.

The SAD 54 Board of Directors cut eight teaching positions, two library jobs, two secretarial jobs, the equivalent of three food-service positions and the equivalent of one administrative position during the budget process.

Larry Grard -- 861-9239

lgrard@centralmaine.com