TOWNSHEND — The third time was a charm for the Leland & Gray Union Middle and High School budget.
After being narrowly rejected twice, a budget weighing in at $6.95 million was approved by voters in the district's five towns April 29. The final tally: 393-290.
The vote was close the first time out, Feb. 5, but failed by 10 ballots. The second attempt, April 2, saw the budget fail by a single vote, 300-299.
Once again, a majority of Townshend voters rejected the budget, 124-78. However, the other four towns made up for it. Brookline voted 62-43 in favor, while Jamaica approved it by a 67-16 vote. Newfane voted 145-93 in favor, and Windham approved it, 41-14.
The 683 total ballots cast in the five towns set a new district record for turnout for an Australian ballot vote.
The budget that was finally approved was $56,133 lower than the original budget. Two capital projects - $32,500 for a food service upgrade and $25,000 for an insulation upgrade - were cut, as was $7,000 for the first payment on a driver education car.
Some vacancies that have come up due to retirement will not be filled, and money for teacher training was trimmed.