An increase in school spending and decisions on regional projects are among the common themes as four Island towns convene annual town meetings tonight.

West Tisbury voters face their first override in 10 years when they gather for town meeting at 7 p.m. at the West Tisbury school. Moderator Dan Waters will take the podium for the first time. A $16.9 million budget, which the town finance committee voted not to recommend, is up for approval, as are several capital spending projects.

Edgartown annual and special town meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the Old Whaling Church, with longtime moderator Philip J. Norton presiding. Voters will take up a $32 million operating budget that includes the salary for a full-time fire chief. Spending proposals include paving Meetinghouse Way and a plan for the town to acquire the popular Main street park known as the Mini Park for $2.1 million.

When the Oak Bluffs town meetings start at 7 p.m. at the Oak Bluffs school, dozens of small spending requests and regional spending projects will be on the agenda. Moderator Jack Law is out of town, so another moderator will be nominated from the town meeting floor. The town is facing large increases in educational spending, so modest spending is proposed for the rest of the budget.

Tisbury voters will gather at 7 p.m. at the Tisbury School gymnasium, with moderator Deborah Medders presiding over special and annual town meetings. Voters face a request for a tax override for the second year in a row, with school spending on the rise. Other issues include upgrades for town buildings and a plan to create more small public parks. A proposal by the selectmen to eliminate the town department of public works, which was created by an act of legislature in 1989, is expected to draw debate.

There are also regional issues that will be decided by voters in all towns. They include a proposal for a $1.6 million bond, to be taken out by Dukes County, to buy the former Vineyard Nursing Association building to house the Center for Living. Towns are also being asked to fund a new administration building for the Vineyard schools superintendent.