News reports indicate that the board voted to approve the budget, but only after a second vote on how high to increase taxes was taken. The initial vote came with a 5.9% tax hike, but that was defeated when the vote came up in a 4-4 tie. Then a second motion was made to include a 4.9% tax hike, and this one got the majority vote of 5-3, with Kelly Adams Irwin, David Greenwood and Eric Haigh voting no. With the increase, taxpayers in the Altoona school district will have to pay put another $36 yearly in taxes, a saving of $4 from the 5.9% increase that was voted down. Adams said that the district is spending to much money and not regarding the seriousness of the budget situation. The total amount of the budget was not released from last nights meeting.
