Wellesley override vote favors schools

Wellesley voters were split yesterday on tax increase proposals totaling $3.28 million, handily approving funding for public schools, but narrowly rejecting a bid to keep two branch libraries open and to operate a recycling center on Sundays.

Fifty-nine percent of voters approved a Proposition 2½ override worth $3.16 million, Town Clerk Kathleen Nagle said last night in an e-mail.

The bulk of that money, which will increase taxes by $292 for the median household, will go to the town's schools.

''I think people got the message that if you want to be a premier town and if you want the quality of the programs and services we have . . . Proposition 2½ will not cover it," said Susan Hurwitz, chairwoman of the Advisory Committee, which recommended the general override. She said a pro-override campaign had galvanized the vote.

Residents rejected two tax increase proposals; 52 percent of voters said no to spending $75,600 to keep the historic Fells and Hills branch libraries open, and 54 percent voted against spending $45,000 to operate the recycling center on Sundays.

The referendum was a victory for those who had warned that if the override effort failed, dozens of teaching positions would be cut, and students would be hit with increased fees for sports and parking.

Marla Robinson, who chairs the Library Board of Trustees, said the branches would close on July 1, but she said the board has not decided what would happen after that. ''I am disappointed, because I think they are treasures," Robinson said.

Voter turnout was higher than in last year's 53 percent turnout for the override vote; 62 percent of registered voters cast ballots.