Newtown Budget, School Spending Plan Both Rejected By Voters

NEWTOWN, CT — Newtown voters rejected both the town budget and Board of Education spending plan in a referendum held April 28, according to unofficial results.

The proposed budget totaled about $147 million, representing a roughly 4.6% increase over the current fiscal year, according to Legislative Council documents.

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The plan included approximately $96 million for the Board of Education and about $51.4 million for town operations, with a proposed mill rate of 29.54, reflecting an estimated 2.79% effective tax increase.

The town budget failed with 1,506 “yes” votes to 1,791 “no” votes, based on totals from voting machines, hand counts and absentee ballots.

The Board of Education budget was also rejected, receiving 1,504 “yes” votes compared to 1,798 “no” votes, according to the tally.

Voters also weighed in on several additional questions tied to the budget and capital items, many of which received majority support, based on the results.

Because both budgets were not approved, town officials are expected to revise the proposals before sending them back to voters in a future referendum.