Bethel's taxpayers last night rejected a proposal to spend $14.1 million to build a new police station.  It was rejected by 69 votes.

Taxpayers did agree to foot the initial $2.4 million bill to construct a water tank in the Long Ridge neighborhood, a health and fire safety project that ultimately will be paid through state grants, loans and water-rate increases for 10,000 users over several decades.

Residents voted to spend $4.3 million for a new energy-services contract expected to save the town as much as $30,000 in annual energy costs.

First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker said he was disheartened by the 926-857 vote to defeat the proposed police station, and by the low voter turnout. More than 2,000 fliers opposing the new police station were distributed to residents over the weekend.