Last modified: Friday, May 18, 2007 1:04 AM EDT Norton to decide two overrides on June 26 BY REBECCA KEISTER SUN CHRONICLE STAFF NORTON - Voters should mark their calendars for June 26 - the date selectmen have set for a special election that will decide the town's second override battle in as many years. Selectmen voted unanimously Thursday to put both a debt exclusion override and a Proposition 2 override question on the ballot. Both measures passed a crucial town meeting vote earlier this week. "I want to be vocal about this," Chairman Robert Kimball said. "Even though I don't support the override, I do support putting it on a ballot. Everyone has the right to make that decision." The ballot questions are independent. The debt exclusion, if it passes, would raise taxes temporarily; the override would increase taxes permanently. A special election is the second step in the override process. School officials, including Superintendent Patricia Ansay, expressed satisfaction along with an air of caution after Monday's vote, most likely because of last year's override vote, which ended in defeat for the school department. After town meeting approved a ballot question in May 2006, supporters and those in opposition to an override campaigned ardently for their positions. Voters came out in droves, and when it was over, the proposed override was overwhelming shot down. Only Kimball made a personal statement about his position on the override Thursday, adding that he does support the debt exclusion question. Newly elected, and veteran, Selectman Bob Salvo has, in the past, been outspoken in his opposition to an override. The three other board members - Tom Golota, Stephen Gradie and Mary Steele - all have strong ties to the school system. Selectmen did choose the earliest allowed date under state law to hold the election. The debt exclusion override would free up about $1.9 million in the municipal budget for repairs to several buildings, including Yelle Elementary School and the middle school. The average taxpayer would see about a $62 increases in taxes next year, and a lesser amount every consecutive year until 2015, when the exclusion ends. The proposed $1.07 million override would add to the school department and municipal budgets. A much larger amount, just under $1 million, would go the school department. The average taxpayer would see around a $38 increase per quarter to their bill. REBECCA KEISTER can be reached at 508-236-0336 or at rkeister@thesunchronicle.com.