Berlin Voters Reject Town/School Budgets Amid Low Turnout, Split Views

BERLIN, CT — Voters in Berlin on Tuesday rejected both the general government and board of education budgets for the 2026–27 fiscal year in a low-turnout referendum, setting up revisions and a second vote next month.

According to results released after the April 28 referendum, the proposed general government budget failed 1,022 to 459.

The Berlin Board of Education budget was defeated by a wider margin, 1,237 to 249.

Advisory questions showed voters were divided on the scope of reductions.

Among those who opposed the general government budget, 496 said it was too high, while 536 said it was too low.

For the school budget, 420 respondents said it was too high, compared with 833 who said it was too low.

Out of 16,109 eligible voters, 1,512 cast ballots, a turnout of 9.39%.

The combined spending plan totaled $110,081,603, representing a 3.32% increase over the current fiscal year.

That included a 3.28% increase in general government spending and a 3.35% increase in education spending.

The Berlin Board of Education budget alone totaled $57,481,059, up 5.34% from the current operating budget.

If approved, the proposal would have increased the town’s mill rate by 0.63 mills, or 2.05%, resulting in an estimated $152 annual tax increase for a home assessed at $345,000.

Following the failed vote, the Berlin Board of Finance scheduled a meeting for April 29 to review potential revisions across the general government, education, and water control budgets.

Town officials are expected to present an updated proposal for voters to consider at a subsequent referendum next month.

For the latest on the Berlin budget situation, click on this link.

From April 24: 'Berlin Budget Vote Is Tuesday; Taxes Could Go Up; What You Need To Know: UPDATE'