As reported April 17 on the Courier's website Zip06.com, Guilford voters overwhelmingly approved the town's 2012-'13 budget by 489 votes, with 1,544 approving the town and education budget and 1,055 in opposition.

"We're happy that it was passed and that the voters came out and had confidence in the budget," said First Selectman Joseph Mazza. "We can move forward into our next fiscal year without worrying about any decreases in services. "

Town Clerk Janice Teft said April 17 "was very quiet," with only 3,604 of the town's more than 15,000 eligible voters heading to the five different poll locations. Absentee ballots showed 41 residents voting "Yes" and only 12 voting "No" on the budget.

"The only concern was there was a low turnout and you never know how to read that. I'd like to think it's because there wasn't much controversy," the first selectman said.

District One had 337 in support, 166 in opposition. District Two had 257 in support, 173 in opposition. District Three had 417 in support, 228 in opposition. District Four was the only district that had turned down the vote, with 211 voting "Yes" and 243 voting "No." District Five had 281 voting "Yes" and 233 voting "No."

The town and schools capital expenditure item was approved by an even greater margin, 1,649 to 955. This vote was for the appropriation of $780,000 for improvements and safety enhancements to the town's school facilities. All five districts supported this vote.

The total town and education budget will show a 3.23 percent increase compared to the current year, totaling $83,197,309. Town government spending represents $30.38 million (a 2.94 percent increase) of the budget, while education represents $52.91 million (a 3.4 percent increase).