Gorham Town Council Tuesday, in a 7-0 vote, unanimously approved two referendums for the November municipal election.

One would authorize the School Department to reallocate $2.5 million in unspent funds from a $9.5 million bond for specific projects that voters approved last November. If voters OK it, an estimated $625,000 would pay for a new track at the high school, and $1.1 million for ADA bathrooms, sprinkler system upgrades and repairs at Narragansett Elementary School. Also included is $800,000 for parking lot paving, to connect parking to White Birch Lane at Village Elementary School along with sidewalk and fire lane repaving at Great Falls Elementary School.

The leftover funds became available due to a redesign of renovations at the high school. Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak said there are “substantial savings” in the bid for the high school improvements that include a cafeteria expansion and modular classrooms.

“We’re reallocating money already approved by voters,” Town Council Chair Suzanne Phillips said.

The seven-member council also sent a referendum question to voters seeking to borrow $2.4 million to replace four box culverts. They are slated for Buck Street, $750,000; Hurricane Road, $495,000; Wilson Road, $500,000; and Wood Road, $650,000.

The Buck Street culvert replacement is a priority because a section of the street is closed. Public Works Director Terry Deering said the town received a $25,000 grant for the design of the Wood Road culvert.

The culverts are a 50-year-plus investment, according to Paraschak. Deering said most of the culverts being replaced were installed with designs from the 1940s and 1950s.

The culverts need replacing regardless of the referendum outcome. If voters reject borrowing the money, culvert replacements would be required to be budgeted. The taxpayers will foot the bill either way.

“Let’s make a smart investment now to save money down the road,” Town Councilor Lou Simms said.

The Town Council officially set Tuesday, Nov. 4, for the annual municipal election.