Preston finally approves budget

Preston — Voters approved the proposed $11.2 million 2016-17 school budget, 361 to 297, at the third referendum Tuesday, prompting a few cheers and applause from the several town officials and observers at Town Hall for the final vote.

“I am happy,” Board of Education Chairman Jan Clancy said. “So happy.”

The Board of Finance met shortly after hearing the referendum results and set the 2016-17 tax rate at 23.75 mills. First Selectman Robert Congdon said the tax bills will be mailed to property owners on Aug. 1.

The town operated in July by using surplus funds to pay essential bills only, deferring other expenses until the tax revenue could be collected.

The original proposed $11.3 million school budget was defeated overwhelmingly in the initial May 17 budget referendum, which approved the town government budget.

The Board of Finance cut $156,647 prior to the second referendum on June 21, which rejected the budget by five votes.

The Board of Finance cut another $20,000 for the third referendum, bringing the new total to $11,218,250.

Clancy said the school board would make final budget decisions at its Aug. 8 regular meeting.

The school board absorbed the initial $156,647 cut at a June meeting, eliminating nonmandated transportation for students attending charter and magnet schools out of town and cutting contracted special education transportation.

Salary cuts were absorbed by retirements.

Board members suggested some extracurricular activities could be in line for future cuts.

The town’s 2,877 registered voters and owners with at least $1,000 worth of property in Preston were eligible to vote in the referendum.

The 658 votes cast represented a turnout of about 23 percent for the referendum.

Voters approved the proposed $11.2 million 2016-17 school budget at the third referendum Tuesday 361 to 297, prompting a few cheers and applause from the several town officials and observers at Town Hall for the final vote.