Voters approved the $37.8 million revised budget Tuesday night, 1,393 to 803.  Residents in the Greater Johnstown School will see a 14.6-percent tax levy increase next year.

“The school district is one of the fundamental foundations of the community, and no matter what, whether I had kids in the district or not, I still would’ve supported both of the increases,” said Johnston resident Chris Tallon.

Chris Tallon voted yes because he believes it’s important to preserve the future of the school district. The revised budget will provide $200,000 from their savings for sports but an additional $311,000 will need to be fundraised to have all sports next year.

“I feel like sports are a thing that can really rally the community together and really create a bright future for the kids that go through this school system,” said Johnstown resident Jack Fitzgerald.

The revote comes a month after a proposed 35-percent tax levy increase was defeated. Some voters are still not happy with the 14.6-percent tax levy increase, which required just a simple majority to pass.

“You put that on me but I have to put it someplace else, so that goes back to the tenant,” said Eileen Rizzo, another Johnstown resident.

Rizzo owns five properties in Johnstown. She say she understand the district needs money for sports and extracurriculars, but the tax levy increase is just too much for her.

“Where am I going to get the money to pay for my bills?” asked Rizzo. “Do I have to sell my properties? Do I have to move?”

In addition, 19 district positions will be eliminated and secondary electives will be reduced.

Superintendent Patricia Kilburn says this is part of a three year plan that could include as much as a 14-percent tax levy increase in the next two budgets.