Residents OK 2017-18 budget

>> Residents approved the town’s proposed 2017-18 budget Wednesday, according to First Selectman Leo Paul.

The budget calls for $31.2 million in spending, an increase from $30.4 million in the current fiscal year.

The package includes a $8.15 million municipal operating budget and $18.9 million for the town schools, according to the budget proposal sent to the meeting by the Board of Finance, as well as just over $4 million for debt service and $65,000 for capital out-

lay.

The board shifted almost $1.2 million from the municipal operating budget, which was originally proposed at $9.35 million, to the school budget April 26, as the schools get ready to reassume oversight of custodial services and the maintenance of district buildings and grounds.

This action had no net impact on the town financial plan.

The municipal budget, Paul said in April, already makes allowances for a loss of up to 25 percent of funds from the state.

A supplemental tax could be required, Paul said at the time, if a reduction in state funding were to significantly exceed this 25 percent safeguard.

Under the 2017-18 budget proposal sent to the meeting, the municipal tax rate will increase to 27.7 from 26.7.