Brunswick voters will be asked to approve a $38.1 million school budget in the annual validation referendum June 12.

In addition to a question asking if voters approve the school budget passed by the Town Council May 14, the ballot will also feature a new nonbinding advisory question.

The question allows voters to express whether they think the proposed budget is “too high,” “acceptable” or “too low.” Although nonbinding, the results would inform officials’ discussion if voters reject the spending plan and a revised proposal is needed for a second validation referendum.

The $38.1 million budget is nearly $254,000 more than current spending, an increase of less than 1 percent.

The council-approved budget is also $520,000 less than the $38.6 million spending plan recommended May 9 by the School Board. It includes funding for regular instruction, special education, student and staff support, debt service and other commitments.

The total budget for fiscal year 2019 will require a 2.99 percent tax increase, which would make the tax rate $18.92 per $1,000 of assessed property value, or an additional 55 cents over this year. The increase would add $110 a year to the tax bill for a home assessed at $200,000.

Voting will take place at Brunswick Junior High School, 65 Columbia Ave., from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots are available at the town hall until June 7.

Elizabeth Clemente can be contacted at 781-3661, ext. 100, or at:

eclemente@theforecaster.net

Twitter: epclemente

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