FARMINGTON – School officials in Franklin and northern Androscoggin counties are gearing up for two votes to approve proposed 2008-09 budgets.

It’s part of a new school reorganization law that requires each system to have a public meeting vote followed within 10 days by a one-question referendum at individual town polling stations. Absentee ballots may be cast in lieu of going to the polls, starting one day after the public meeting vote.

In SAD 9, a proposed nearly $24 million budget will go before voters from nine towns at the districtwide vote at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington. The referendum is set for Wednesday, May 28, in Chesterville, Farmington, Industry, New Sharon, New Vineyard, Temple, Vienna, Weld and Wilton, with times varying. For instance, Farmington and Wilton are holding the vote from 3 to 7 p.m.; New Vineyard from 4 to 8 p.m.

Some town clerks were not available Monday to get the times. Chesterville Town Clerk Pat Gordon said she had been considering a 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., but may change it since it is only one question.

Polls must be open for a minimum of four hours.

In SAD 58, a proposed $9.8 million budget will go to voters at a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 5, at Mt. Abram High School in Salem Township. The referendum will be held in Avon, Eustis, Kingfield, Phillips and Strong on Tuesday, June 10.

Jay’s proposed $10.28 million budget package will go to voters at a public meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, June 2, at the Jay Middle School cafeteria. The referendum will be held Tuesday, June 10.

SAD 36 directors a public vote on a proposed $9.26 million budget for 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, at the Livermore Falls High School and the referendum on Tuesday, June 10, in both Livermore and Livermore Falls.

In Union 37, Rangeley, Magalloway and Lincoln plantations have held both votes and approved the budget, Superintendent Phil Richardson said, leaving the town of Rangeley, and Dallas and Sandy River plantations to vote, likely in June.