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05/17/2024 09:30 AMOn May 14, Old Saybrook voters overwhelmingly approved the 2024-’25 fiscal year budget of $51,440,046 by huge margins.
The total budget combines spending requests for both the town and the Board of Education (BOE). The BOE budget is $28,829,506, a $975,812 or 3.38 % increase. The town budget is $21,447,238, a $187,490 or 0.87 % increase.
Voters approved the town budget by 168 votes in favor and 20 against. Meanwhile, the BOE budget passed by a margin of 158 in favor to 28 opposed.
The total budget represents a total increase of $1,163,302, or 2.31%, over the current year’s budget.
Following the referendum, the mill rate was set at 15.2, down from the 20.48 of 2023-’24.
“It is important to note that when residents receive their tax bill this year, it will reflect a significantly decreased mill rate as a result of revaluation. Based on the value of homes as of Oct. 1, 2023, taxes may go up more or less than ‘usual.’ We are here to offer assistance for those that have questions,” Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna said via email following the vote.
“The overall town and education budget increased 2.3% this year which, in a time of inflation on the cost of labor and materials, seems reasonable. That being said, we are always looking at ways use our funds more efficiently,” he continued.
In the budget the town has provided money for more recreational opportunities, sidewalks, and planning for resiliency efforts housing opportunities.
New capital projects include a van for youth and family services, park and recreation projects, and upgrades to Saybrook Point.
“A lot of work from a lot of people who spend a lot of time over the last six months goes into developing the budget. Staff puts in a lot of work, but I particularly want to thank our volunteers on all our boards and commissions who have budgetary oversight. We appreciate their deep dive into government finances. The Board of Finance, in particular, this year and in years past, puts forth a tremendous effort during budget season. While these volunteer positions might fly under the radar for much of our local population, their effort is to be commended,” Fortuna said.
With budget season over Fortuna said the town will shift its focus to projects like expanding Main Street Connections Park, fundraising for upgrades to the Acton Public Library, the Mainers Way redevelopment plan and climate resiliency initiatives.
“As you can imagine, there is no silver bullet to solving the effects of climate change, but the town, for years, has been actively seeking grants for engineering so that we have a plan moving forward,” Fortuna said.
This budget season marked another year of limited controversy. At a public hearing held in March, no residents voiced strong objections against the proposed budget.
Last year, voters also overwhelmingly approved both budgets. The town budget was approved with 239 votes in favor and 37 against. The education budget passed by a margin of 239 in favor to 34 opposed.