Dunkirk school district voters will get to decide on a proposed $10 million capital improvements reserve fund.

The Dunkirk Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to put the matter on the ballot for the May 20 budget vote.

The board is seeking to start the capital reserve fund at the suggestion of district financial advisor Richard Timbs. He sees it as a way to draw down a large unemployment/retirement payment reserve fund which could otherwise cause problems with state auditors.

Another reason for the capital reserve: the district is starting a multi-year construction project across multiple buildings this summer. Tim Abbey, district buildings and grounds director, said at Tuesday’s board meeting that he expects construction to begin in July.