Despite Tax Hike, Voters Say 'Yes' To Farmington Budgets

FARMINGTON, CT — Voters were in a giving mood during the Town of Farmington's budget referendum Thursday, saying "yes" to a new spending plan and four other special expenditures.

With a 625-300 tally, voters easily approved a combined town/education budget of $128.6 million, $7.33 million (or 6.05 percent) larger than current spending.

The vote comes despite a tax increase requiring $374 extra this year compared to a year ago for the average homeowner.

The approved spending plan includes:

• $79.54 million for the Farmington Board of Education, a $3.6 million — or 4.75 percent — increase.

• $35.02 million for town general government spending, a $982,389 — or 2.89 percent — increase.

• $11.43 million for town debt service, a $1.4 million — or 14.67 percent — increase.

• $2.28 million for capital improvements, a $1.28 million — or 128.3 percent — increase.

With a grand list increase only at 0.36 percent, it means taxes for property owners will increase.

According to the town, the mill rate will go to 25.45 mills, 1.24 mills larger than a year ago.

With the average residential assessment listed at $301,455, taxes for the average homeowner would increase by $374 to $7,672 this year, a 5.14 percent hike.

Also approved at the polls Thursday were: A new roof for the West Woods Upper Elementary School; HVAC and roof work at the Farmington Police Department; and two separate fire truck purchases for local firefighters.

For the complete Farmington budget referendum results, click on this link.

From April 23: 'As Tax Hike Looms, Farmington To Decide Budget Thursday'