Newton (AP)  -- Voters in Newton have rejected a $12 million property tax override, setting the stage for possible budget cuts in the Boston suburb.

Mayor David Cohen had warned that failure to approve the override would result in nearly 80 school positions being eliminated, nearly half of them teachers.

Cohen had also warned about cuts in the police department and the possible closing of four public library branches.

Unofficial returns from Tuesday's vote showed the Proposition 2 1/2 override failing by a 55-45 margin.

Newton Taxpayers Association President Jeff Seideman -- who led the opposition to the override -- said the vote sent a message to the mayor and Board of Aldermen to clean up the fiscal mess.

An override would have raised the city's average annual property tax bill by $433.