SIMSBURY, CT — Simsbury voters approved all four town and school budget questions during Saturday’s annual budget referendum at Simsbury Town Hall, saying "yes" to a 2.3 percent tax hike in the process.
The referendum asked residents to vote separately on the Simsbury Board of Education, Simsbury Board of Selectmen, special revenue, and capital budgets for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The proposed Simsbury Board of Education budget of $91,543,244 passed 692-376.
Voters also approved the $30,121,926 Board of Selectmen operating budget by a 696-370 margin.
A combined $9,372,391 special revenue budget covering sewer operations, residential property programs, and parks and recreation funds passed 777-289.
The final question, covering $17,978,194 in capital, capital non-recurring, and debt service spending, passed 724-342.
According to town figures, 1,068 of Simsbury’s 18,501 eligible voters cast ballots, resulting in a voter turnout of about 5.8%.
The approved budget package represents an overall increase of approximately 2.13% over the current fiscal year budget.
Town officials estimate the approved spending plan will increase the mill rate from 33.02 to 33.78.
Based on the town’s median home value, annual property taxes are projected to rise from about $10,401 to $10,641, an increase of roughly $239, or 2.3%.
The budget questions had previously been approved by the Simsbury Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen in late April before advancing to referendum.
"Thank you to the 1,068 people who took the time on Saturday to help us pass this budget," wrote Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis on Facebook.
From May 12: 'Simsbury Voters To Decide 2026-27 Spending, Taxes This Weekend'
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