TURNER — The School Administrative District 52 budget passed in Turner, Leeds and Greene on Tuesday by a total of 34 votes. The tally was 135-101.

In Turner, it was 72-65, Leeds, 34-14, and Greene, 29-22, according to officials at the respective town offices.

Assistant Superintendent Thomas Ambrose said the $25.57 million budget came in lower than last year, but because of a drop in state funds triggered by lower enrollment, the towns were asked to pay more in the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1.

The 2016-17 budget is expected to increase the tax rate 55 cents in Greene, 74 cents in Leeds and 63 cents in Turner.

Ambrose said several teaching positions that were vacant or for only a year were cut. He said it had no negative impact on the arts, and he found “creative ways to continue the sports programs” but changed how they were funded.

The final numbers represented “very creative, hard work by a lot of people,” Ambrose said.

In case the budget did not pass, the district included an additional question on the ballot asking voters to weigh in:

• Number of voters who found the budget acceptable, 90;

• Too low, 40; and

• Too high, 104.

Residents also voted in favor of keeping the current system of voting twice on the budget — first at a district meeting and then at a referendum.

kskelton@sunjournal.com

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