BY KAREN BOSSICK

Blaine County voters approved the Blaine County School District’s request to reallocate half of its annual $5.98 million plant facilities levy to boost staff salaries and benefits on Tuesday.

Officials said 1,947 voters voted in favor and 1,186 against.

That's 62 percent for and 38 percent against.

The vote allowed the board of trustees to reallocate part of the plant facilities money that voters approved in 2010 for building construction and maintenance, technology and debt.

The reallocation, which reduces the amount certified under the district’s existing school plant facilities reserve fund levy by $2,990,000 per year, will not raise taxes.

Lee Dabney was among those who voted for the passage of a two-year supplemental levy.

“Lack of funding from the state is an Idaho problem but it’s also a nationwide problem. It’s up to our community to keep educational opportunities like full day kindergarten, world languages, music, art and AP classes.”