REHOBOTH - Besides the primary election, town voters are going to the polls Tuesday to decide on a debt exclusion, the second Proposition 2 1/2 override election this year.

The proposed temporary tax increase is for a bond to fund a wastewater system upgrade at Dighton-Rehohoth Regional High School. Because of direct financial implications for voters, the turnout is expected to be better than usual for a primary election.

"Voter turnout for a primary is typically low, but I believe because of the debt exclusion, we will most likely have a good turnout for this election," Town Clerk Kathleen Conti said.

While an override raises property taxes permanently, the debt exclusion will last only until the project is paid for. In this case, school officials from both towns have agreed on a ten year loan.

Rehoboth and Dighton approved up to $1.2 million for the project at town meeting, and Rehoboth decided the funding would be subject to a debt exclusion vote. The debt exclusion will raise property taxes on an average $425,000 home about $20 per year, based on the $1.2 million amount, Tax Assessor Peter Jacobson said.

The project, which was rebid in July, could end up costing less than $1.2 million, but some residents and selectmen think it could also cost more.

"Our intent is to go with one of the two lowest bids that were approximately $900,000," said school committee Chairwoman Barbara Murray.

The 42-year old sewage treatment plant no longer meets state or federal environmental standards.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at all three precincts: town offices, the senior center and south fire station.

Since the debt exclusion election coincides with the state primary election, the town clerk is reminding voters that there will be, in effect, two separate elections on Tuesday.

"We want people to be aware that they can vote in both elections, but there will be a separate check-in for each one," Conti said.

Also, there will be four ballots available for the state primary: Republican, Democrat, Green Rainbow and Working Families.

Anyone registered in one of the parties must take the ballot for that party. Voters not enrolled in a particular party can take any ballot.

A person's status as unenrolled will not change, no matter what ballot is taken, Conti said. Laura Calverley covers Rehoboth. She can be reached at lcalverley@aol.com.