Brookfield residents have approved a budget for the coming fiscal year. Residents approved $44 million for the schools on a vote of 1,362 to 1,042. The $26 million municipal part was approved 1,414 to 979.  

It's a 5 percent spending increase over the current year and raises taxes by 2.87 percent. The $3.5 million capital budget will go toward paving at the schools and replacing various department vehicles.

The New Milford budget was also approved yesterday.  The municipal spending plan was approved on a vote 1,655 to 741.  The school portion of was approved about 1,500 to 900. 

Health costs are lower, but New Milford will add a police officer and a civil engineer.  New Milford is allocating more for tree removal, chip sealing, and stormwater and drainage projects to address icing.  The tax rate would go up by about 2 percent.