Ridgefield residents have approved a budget.  The $135 million municipal and education plan represents a zero tax increase.  The $34 million budget for the town was approved 1,1427 to 217 and the $86 million budget for the schools was approved 1,311 to 334.  Combined it's a 1.2 percent increase in spending.  The reason taxes can be held to the current fiscal year's level is because $1.8 million from the fund balance is being used to offset the spending increase. 

There are seven other questions on the ballot, all of which gained approval.  They include a vote of 1,536 to 108 in favor of $2.75 million for road work.  That's a nearly 50-percent increase from funding in the current year.  Another question on the budget ballot about $3.7 million to upgrade Ridgefield's emergency radio system was approved 1,265 to 373. 

Nearly $500,000 for technology infrastructure replacement at the schools and to reduce energy use at the high school received overwhelming support of 1,310 to 323.  $230,000 to replace a fire department ambulance was approved 1,428 to 204.  $176,000 will be spent for a truck to be used by the highway department for plowing and hauling after receiving a vote of 1,240 to 377.

$415,000 for three construction projects was approved 1,265 to 358.  A new roof for the town hall annex, elevator renovations in the Venus building and Lake Mamanasco improvements will be made.  A bike and walking path extension is a $1.25 million allocation approved on a vote of 1,180 to 460.