Biddeford voters approved the proposed $52.6 million school budget on Tuesday, according to unofficial election results.

The budget, which was finalized by the City Council in May, represents about a 6.7% increase over this year’s. A total of 3,024 of voters supported the measure while 1,132 people voted against it, according to data provided by the city.

Since its proposal in March, the school budget decreased slightly from an initial $53 million.

Cost drivers for the spending plan include staff salaries, health insurance, payroll tax, and new positions, including new teachers for students who are English Language Learners.

Other cost drivers include a large increase in special education funding, new programs to address student needs, and expanded vocational offerings.

The projected mill rate is $15.84, according to city communications director Danica Lamontagne, but that could change as property valuations are finalized over the summer.

If the mill rate stays there, the owner of a Biddeford home priced at the city’s median $402,000 would pay $6,019 in property taxes if they receive a Homestead Exemption from the state, which lowers a primary residence’s taxable value for taxation purposes. Most Biddeford residents participate in that program, Lamontagne said.

YORK COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Former Biddeford City Councilor Doris Ortiz was selected as the Democratic candidate for the York County Commissioners, according to initial results from four communities.

Despite Biddeford voters narrowly favoring Roch Angers, a member of the Biddeford planning board, Ortiz swept up about 66% of the votes across District 2, which covers Biddeford, Arundel, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.

CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION

Voters elected seven members, one from each ward, to serve on the newly formed Charter Revision Commission. All seven ran unopposed.

The members include Michael Swanton, Scott Whiting, Richard Rhames, Robert Mills, Cat Bates, Norman Belanger and Samuel Pecor.

The commission will also include two members appointed by the mayor and City Council, and will be responsible for reviewing the city charter and proposing changes.

The commission will have 9 months to work on recommendations and submit a preliminary report to the City Council.

Staff Writer Morgan Womack contributed to this story.