HILLTOWNS — Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District voters approved on Tuesday the district’s $23.7 million budget with a 2-percent tax decrease, a $504,000 bus proposition, and the lone board of education candidate, Lisa Joslin. 

The budget was approved by 80 percent of voters, with 269 in favor and 65 against. In addition to lowering taxes for residents — made possible by an expansion of state Foundation Aid — it will raise spending by about 1 percent to accommodate salary increases and debt service related to the recently-finished school upgrades. 

The bus proposition passed by similar margins, with 265 in favor and 69 against. The school will now be able to acquire three 72-passenger buses and two 28-passenger buses at a cost not to exceed $504,000, with $150,000 from the Transportation Reserve Fund to be put toward the purchases.

Joslin received 256 votes. She will replace Randy Bashwinger, who did not seek re-election.