NEWPORT — The proposed $22.7 million budget was defeated, 298-270, during all-day balloting Tuesday, which means the default budget of $22.9 million will be implemented July 1.
Voters reelected Nikki Murphy to a three-year term on the School Board, 285-207, over Anna O’Hara.
Besides the budget, the other articles to be defeated were an appropriation of $53,000 to go toward the purchase of a new playground at Richards Elementary School and allowing the district to retain as much as 5% in the amount of any unassigned general funds at the end of the fiscal year.
Voters approved repaving at Richards for $32,000, the purchase of a new bus for $100,000 and establishing a Public Safety Program at the tech center for $103,353, which will offer students career opportunities in law enforcement, fire science and EMS.
An open enrollment article, which would not allow any Newport student to attend another open enrollment school, was approved 363-206.
By wide margins, voters approved articles establishing a technology capital reserve fund and an athletic facility maintenance fund; using fund balance for $50,000 in the School Facilities Building and Renovation Fund and $50,000 in Special Education Fund; and raising $25,000 for the Transportation fund.
