SABATTUS - Less than a week after the School Committee proposed a $6.13 million budget, voters at a town referendum Tuesday rejected the measure.

When votes were tallied Tuesday night, 234 opposed the budget; 186 voted for it.

The vote failed to bring to a close an issue that has caused a rift between the parents of schoolchildren and senior citizens who insist they will suffer for the higher budget.

"I'll be 83 years old next week," said Sabattus resident Bill Larkin. "I think it's about time I get a reduction in school taxes."

For others, specifically parents of schoolchildren, the vote was a blow to planned efforts to improve classroom conditions.

"It's the will of the people," said Will Fessenden, a parent of two children. "But I'm disappointed because my priority is looking out for the future of my children. That's my responsibility."

Some Sabattus residents have complained that school spending is already extravagant, with too many fringes for students, and salaries for educators that are too generous. Asking all residents to take a financial hit to support the schools is too much, some say.

"I'm willing to pay my share," Larkin said. "But why, when you're in your 80s, should you be asked to pay a full share?"

A majority voted no on June 10 because the budget was too high. Numbers were reworked and presented last week. Supporters thought it might be enough to convince people to vote in favor.

"It was a good compromise," Fessenden said. "It wasn't what everyone necessarily wanted, but I thought it split the difference fairly."

The budget is higher than last year, but the amount to come from local taxes is down by $296,000. That's because Sabattus received more state funding and has a surplus. Property tax bills are expected to go down by between 1 and 1.5 mills, which translates to between $1 and $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Now town leaders will have to start again. According to Town Clerk Suzanne Adams, a special town meeting will be scheduled and a new budget will be worked out.

In other words, back to the first step.

"We're starting all over," Adams said.

At least temporarily, the vote was a victory for older people who feared the new budget would take a bite out of their already shaky finances. Larkin, for instance, said he was working a part-time job just to pay his property taxes. The school budget, as proposed, would have set him back, he said.

"For us senior citizens, it would be like a pay cut," Larkin said. "We can't afford a pay cut."

Fessenden, who was disappointed with the vote, said he nonetheless understands the fears of people who opposed it.

"I have deep respect for the older folks in town," he said. "I understand what they are up against. It's a difficult time for everyone."