Voters have said ‘yes’ to a $19 million bond that will pay for upgrades to Burlington’s aging schools.
Burlington School District Superintendent Yaw Obeng said the vote is a very critical decision point. For example, the high school was built in 1963 and has undergone minimal upgrades. A main concern for the district is ADA accessibility.
In total, Obeng says the schools need $39 million in upgrades over the next 10 years.
$19 million bond:
· Yes: 76.48%
· No: 23.52%
School Budget:
· Yes: 58.97%
· No: 41%
Voters also approved an $85 million budget, which could raise property taxes by 5.25%.
If the charter change is approved by the state legislature, Burlington city councilors will get a $2,000/year raise, thanks to Burlington voters.
City Councilor Pay Raise:
– Yes: 72.37%
– No: 27.63%
Burlingtonians also want their state officials to advocate for a statewide $15/hour minimum wage.
$15/Hour Minimum Wage Recommendation:
– Yes: 75.57%
– No: 24.43%