On Tuesday May 11 Old Saybrook residents will have their say on the proposed town and education budgets. Polls are open between noon and 8 p.m. at the Old Saybrook Senior High School Gymnasium and absentee ballots are available for all who want one.

The proposed combined budget is $47,187,717, a $167,292, or a 0.36 percent, increase in spending, with a general government budget of $20,416,352, a $101,950, or 0.50 percent, increase, and an education budget of $26,771,365, a $65,342, or 0.24 percent, increase.

Despite the small spending increases, the mill rate will not rise and may even drop a little according to Town Finance Director Lee Ann Palladino.

“We are projecting that the mill rate will remain very close if not the same as its present level of 20.05, therefore the proposed budget does not have a material impact on the mill rate,” Palladino said.

First Selectman Carl Fortuna said that the proposed budget “gives citizens a chance to catch their breath coming out of the pandemic.” Fortuna said that no services would be cut and the budget allows for continued investment in the town.

“This is the second time in four years we have had no mill rate increase which hasn’t happened in a least a generation. We’re really proud of the work we have done over the last five years,” said Fortuna.

How to Vote

Anyone who is a registered voter in Old Saybrook or a property owner (which includes cars) worth $1,000 or more in town is eligible to vote in the referendum. Polls are open at the gymnasium of the Old Saybrook Senior High School between the hours of noon to 8 p.m.

This year, there is an important update to the referendum process: The state is allowing any voter who wants one to use an absentee ballot to vote, just like in last year’s presidential election. The absentee ballots will allow for someone who may be still uncomfortable being in crowds vote with peace of mind. Absentee ballots can be obtained by contacting the town clerk at 860-395-3135.

The last time the budget referendum was held in 2019, both the town and education budgets were passed with overwhelming support.