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If the almost $33.5 million school budget passes, residents will see no increase in property taxes.

By BOB KEYES, Staff Writer June 4, 2009

BRUNSWICK — Voters will go to the polls Tuesday for a referendum on the school budget.

The budget validation referendum is necessary to comply with the state's school consolidation law.

Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the only polling place is Brunswick Junior High School, 65 Columbia Ave.

The ballot question reads: "Do you favor approving the Town of Brunswick school budget for the upcoming school year that was adopted at the Town Council meeting held June 1, 2009?"

Voters have two choices: Yes or no.

The school budget request for the 2009-10 academic year is $33,471,084. That represents a decrease of about $150,000 from the current school budget, approved by voters last June.

If voters approve the referendum, Brunswick residents will not face an increase this year on their property tax bills.

On Monday, the town council approved a municipal budget for 2009-10 of $53.8 million.

That means the current property tax rate of $22.54 per $1,000 valuation would be maintained.

To view a sample of the school budget referendum ballot, go online to www.brunswickme.org.