Will NK Approve Today's Referendum?

The sun’s out, the mercury’s up and North Kingstowners are hitting the polls today. Cars swooped in to the parking lot at Cold Spring Community Center, one of two polling locations, to vote on a budget referendum that would .

The referendum was brought forth by a petition submitted by Sandra Blankenship, president of the North Kingstown ESP, who has spoken out at recent meetings against cuts that would outsource custodians, food service staff and other clerical workers. Last month, the Town Council decided to decline the school department's request for $713,000 in additional tax money.

Though turnout for past referendums has been low (ranging from 10 to 30 percent of the population casting a vote), poll workers said that turnout this time around has been steady.

“It’s been pretty good,” said Robert Babbitt at the Cold Spring Community Center poll location. “It’s been constant all day long and relatively steady.” By noon, Cold Spring had seen nearly 400 votes cast.

“I come out to every election, whether it’s small or large,” said Jim O’Halloran. Others, impassioned by the , came out to make their voices heard.

“I support the Town Council and have confidence in them,” said John Donahue. “I support their efforts and I know it’s not easy.”

According to Town Manager Michael Embury, if voters approve the referendum, property taxes will jump an additional 15 cents to $17.46 per $1,000.

Polls will close at 8 p.m. tonight at both locations. Voting districts 1 through 6 and 9 vote at and voting districts 7, 8 and 10 through 14 at Cold Spring.

Check back with North Kingstown Patch for the results of today's referendum.