POLAND — Voters Tuesday approved Regional School Unit 16’s budget of $20.8 million by a vote of 392-182.

The votes by town were: Poland, 175-104; Mechanic Falls, 106-40; and Minot, 111-38.

Voters overall approved continuing the process of approving the school budget with a validating referendum. The tally was 416-150.

The budget is about $207,000 higher than this fiscal year, but an increase in state funding will ease the effect on local property tax rates.

According to estimates provided by school officials:

* Mechanic Falls’ assessment is expected to be about $6,000 less than this year;

* Minot’s is projected to increase by about $31,000; and

* Poland’s is expected to increase by $148,000.

Compared with this year, taxes on properties assessed at $100,000 are projected to be about $6.73 less in Mechanic Falls, about $4.80 more in Minot and $17.52 more in Poland.

A total of 583 residents in the three towns went to the polls. A year ago, 497 voted.