Keyport voters approve budget, solar panel bond

KEYPORT — The $17,385,002 Keyport School District budget was approved by voters on April 21 by a 353-173 vote.

The budget calls for a $8,192,000 tax levy and lowered the school tax rate by about 3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

Keyport residents approved a $3.9 million bond question by 353 votes to 177 votes.

The measure will fund solar panels and roof replacements for Keyport High School, Keyport Central School and the Keyport district administrative office.

The state would fund 45.7 percent of Keyport's debt service for the project. Additionally, the district will sell energy credits back to the state for excess energy the buildings generate.

April 21 also saw three candidates win three-year seats on the Board of Education.

Incumbents Peter W. Henning and Evelyn Cote and newcomer Alexandra Burke were elected to fill the seats up for election. Burke replaces Renee Larkin, who did not seek re-election.

Burke finished with 307 votes, Henning with 333 and Cote with 259.