The Sachem School District's proposed 2013-14 budget failed after netting only 54% of the votes after more than 12,000 district residents turned out for Tuesday's vote.
The final tally was 6,828 in favor to 5,762 opposed.
While the $293 million spending plan was only .58% higher than last year's budget, it called for a 7.49% tax levy increase on residents. That translated to roughly $484 per year for property owners. Initially the district was battling a $26 million shortfall and would need to increase taxes by 16% in order to sustain a rollover budget from this current year.
The district cited a loss in revenue streams, cuts or inefficient increases in State aid and the use of the district's reserve funds over the years as the cause for the large budget hole.
On June 18 residents will vote on the tax cap contingency budget. The tax cap proposal calls for a 3.14% increase in taxes, but will lead to cuts in programs and services such as full-day kindergarten, cheerleading, music and non-varsity sports.
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