Update: Budget Referendum Falls Short of 15 Percent

Updated Story: May 8, 9:30 p.m.

Though the May 8 budget referendum drew more voters than the recent , it still fell short of the 15 percent needed in order to make the referendum binding.

After the votes were tallied, 647 turned out to vote, accounting for 7.4 percent of registered voters. Aside from 7.43 percent turning out in 2010, 7.4 percent has been the highest turnout since 2006–the only year the 15 percent was totaled since the referendum was instated in 2005. 

Of the votes cast, 265 voted to accept the budget, 196 voted to reject the budget because it was too high and 186 voted to reject the budget because it was too low.

With the refendum not reaching the 15 percent needed to be binding, the official 2012-13 town budget is $47,368,137 with a 27.77 mill rate.

Original Story: May 8, 5:30 a.m.

The culmination of budget season is here. After budget workshops, and the , the budget refendum could be the last step toward finalizing the 2012-13 North Branford budget.

Today, registered voters can visit the polling locations to vote on the following question: "Shall the Town Council Recommended Budget of $47,368,137, which will require a mill rate of 27.77 mills, be adopted?"

Voters will have three choices: 

• I accept the budget
• I reject the budget because it is too high
• I reject the budget because it is too low

If 15 percent of the town's registered voters turn out to the polls, the Town Council is required to take action on the result of the referendum. The last time the required 15 percent voted was in 2006.

Polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. at the regular polling locations– and .

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