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Voters in Richmond have approved a referendum that would change the city charter to require Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney to craft a plan to modernize Richmond Public Schools facilities without raising taxes.

Richmonders voted Tuesday on the 350-word referendum, which now must pass through the Virginia General Assembly. According to unofficial results, the referendum passed with 85 percent of the vote despite Stoney’s opposition. The referendum was crafted by longtime Democratic operative Paul Goldman.

The charter change would require the mayor to craft a plan within six months to improve RPS facilities without raising taxes. City council would have to vote on it within 90 days after the plan is presented.

“Eighty-five percent is about as close as you can get to unanimity in the political system,” said Goldman on Tuesday night. “The people have spoken and sent a message to city leadership.”

RPS facilities continue to face problems after years of deferred maintenance. The division is in the midst of crafting its own plan, but it’s behind schedule.