The Sachem School board voted Tuesday night to adopt a budget piercing the tax cap at 4.87%, as if faces a multimillion-dollar deficit.

The vote was 5-4.

The budget would increase the average tax bill by approximately $330.

The school district has already spent $9.2 million in reserves and cut 61 positions to fill the budget gap, but the deficit remains stubborn at $6.6 million.

Most of the cuts that were made are retirees whose positions were not replaced.

The budget would prevent further spending of reserve funds and avoid widespread cuts.

The Sachem School District had been expecting a 3% increase in foundation aid from the state. Instead, their foundation aid remained the same.

The budget faces an uncertain future. It needs approval from a 60% supermajority of voters because it pierces the tax cap.