FISHERS, Ind. -- Voters in portions of Hamilton County headed to the polls Tuesday to weigh in on a referendum in the Hamilton Southeastern district.

The proposal would increase property taxes to help the district avoid major budget cuts.

Fifty-one precincts in Delaware, Fall Creek and Wayne townships are taking part.

Based on early-morning voting, officials said turnout is better than expected.

"Since I'm a teacher and I have kids, I just think it's a huge issue. It's $22 for a household, on average, and if you live in Fishers, you want to support the schools," said one voter. "We don't want to cut … so I think it's important to support the schools and support the teachers."

If the referendum is approved, the school system would get more than $38 million in property taxes over the next seven years. The polls are open until 6 p.m.

Last week, Marion County voters rejected school referenda in Perry and Franklin Township, while a Beech Grove referendum was approved.