HAMPSTEAD - After facing defeat in past years, voters on Tuesday approved a new $1.6 million police station.
 
By a vote of 1,084 to 837, the plan earned the support of 56 percent of voters; it needed a simple majority to pass.
 
It was the fifth time voters have taken up a plan to replace the small station on Emerson Avenue.
 
The 7,600-square-foot station will be built on town land near the town garage with entrances from Stage Road and Veterans Way.
 
Town officials have said the plan would increase the tax rate by about $1.60 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for one year since it would not be paid for through a bond.
 
Police Chief Joseph Beaudoin was confident that the plan would pass this year.
 
"We were hoping this is the year,"? he said. "I don't think anybody questions the need. They all agree the need is there."
 
Voters also OK'd the town's $5.4 million operating budget (1,214-639).
 
On the school side, voters passed a new teacher contract (1,012-848), a new contract for support staff (1,175-691), and a $23.8 million school budget (1,543-316).
 
In the race for school board, Jason Cipriano (1,050) beat Robert O?Brien (673) for a three-year term.