LEWISTON — Residents are being asked to vote Tuesday on a $58.4 million school budget for 2013-14, even though they approved it in May.
The second vote is needed because the school budget was approved in May before legislators passed the state budget in June. The state budget had an additional $409,000 for Lewiston eduction. According to state rules, Lewiston voters need to approve any additional spending not covered in the previous budget.
Voter approval would let the school spend that money, but will not change property taxes, Superintendent Bill Webster said. It will reset the school’s spending plan for the 2013-14 fiscal year at $58.8 million and local property taxes for education at $17.1 million.
Webster said his first question was if there is a minimum number of votes needed for passage, since voter turnout will likely be low.
The answer is no.
“All we need is a 1-0 vote in favor. And I’m going to vote, regardless of the weather,” Webster said.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Longley Elementary School, 145 Birch St., City Clerk Kathy Montejo said.
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