Newtown residents have approved municipal and school budget plans.  Overall there is a 1.6 percent spending increase.  The municipal budget of $40.5 million was approved 2,765 to 2,288.  The school portion of the budget is $73.66 million, and was approved 2,730 to 2,320.

Voter turnout was about 29%.  The budget vote was held in one location while residents were also voting in usual polling places in the presidential primary.

The municipal budget was reduced by an overall $519,000 by Finance and Legislative Council.  The Board of Education's portion was also reduced by $100,000.

First Selectman Pat Llodra told the Legislative Council at their meeting earlier this month that there are many initiatives they are hoping will make an impact in the next fiscal year. Items like the Hawleyville sewers, a shared services initiative and municipal spaces needs study are designed to capture operational savings and generate new revenue streams.

Llodra says town leaders are very cognizant of the need to reduce spending.  But she says there are several things they can't control, including the revenue stream from the state.

Residents can vote on the budget at the middle school until 8pm.  Primary voting takes place at regular polling locations.