ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. (WCAX) – Voters hit the polls– again– in many Vermont communities on Tuesday to decide on their school budgets.
Residents in South Burlington and St. Johnsbury are facing third votes to try to find a budget.
Alburgh, Caledonia Cooperative, Washington Central, Twinfield and Essex-Westford voters are casting ballots in a second try on those budgets.
The Essex-Westford budget voters are considering Tuesday is $93 million. It was reduced by $4.5 million compared to the one that failed on Town Meeting Day.
The district is the second largest in Vermont, serving roughly 4,500 pre-K to high school students in Essex Town, Essex Junction and Westford.
The school board says after the first budget failed, they tried to make as many cuts as possible to appease taxpayers while also doing what’s best for the school community.
One voter said he understands voters’ concerns but the budgets need to be approved.
“You know the taxes have gone up quite a bit, but it’s not hardly the fault at all of the local school boards and the local school districts. There’s a statewide system that does need to be fixed. At this point, we need to support our schools so they can move ahead with next year’s funding,” said Rick Martin of Essex Town.
Tuesday’s vote will show whether the reduction was enough to get people to pass the budget or if the property tax increases are still too high.
Our Lucy Caile will have results and more from voters on the Channel 3 News at 11 p.m.
