Board of Finance: Town budget passes 635–627 but school budget fails 530–724, overall budget fails
June 25, 2026 | Thompson, Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut
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The Board of Finance reviewed the results of a June 24 budget referendum Wednesday evening, where the town question passed 635–627 but the school budget question failed 530–724, a combination that causes the overall budget to fail.
The announcement of the returns was made by the meeting chair, who said: “635 yes, 627 no. So that passes by eight votes,” and then read the school question totals: “530 yes, 724 no,” confirming that both questions had not passed together and that the town’s proposed budget therefore did not carry.
Why it matters: Both ballot questions needed to pass to enact this year’s combined town and school budget. Because the school budget failed, the municipality faces a budget impasse that leaves existing appropriations and the potential setting of a mill rate as key next steps for town officials.
Board members spent the remainder of the meeting setting a path forward. The chair proposed holding a series of special budget workshops the week of July 6 and said, “I’m proposing the week of the 6th and probably Monday the 6th if everyone’s back,” asking members to plan to review the numbers and return with thoughts. Members expressed general agreement with that schedule and asked staff to publish the agenda the day after the July 6 meeting to reduce workload for staff.
The board also discussed a contingency session: participants tentatively set an ETH meeting for July 8 at 7 p.m. as a backup if the July 6 workshop does not complete business. A member noted turnout estimates at about 1,262 ballots cast, which others said appeared slightly lower than prior contests; percentage turnout was recalled in the 17–19 percent range. The board asked staff to confirm exact participation figures.
Procedural note: the board confirmed that setting a mill rate was not applicable at the meeting given the failed referendum outcome but said the selectmen might still set a mill rate while budget work proceeds.
Before adjourning, the board moved to adjourn; Ken and Nikki were recorded as seconds, and the chair closed the meeting at 9:01 p.m.
The Board of Finance scheduled the initial budget workshop for the week of July 6 and asked staff to distribute a proposed agenda and turnout figures in advance.
The announcement of the returns was made by the meeting chair, who said: “635 yes, 627 no. So that passes by eight votes,” and then read the school question totals: “530 yes, 724 no,” confirming that both questions had not passed together and that the town’s proposed budget therefore did not carry.
Why it matters: Both ballot questions needed to pass to enact this year’s combined town and school budget. Because the school budget failed, the municipality faces a budget impasse that leaves existing appropriations and the potential setting of a mill rate as key next steps for town officials.
Board members spent the remainder of the meeting setting a path forward. The chair proposed holding a series of special budget workshops the week of July 6 and said, “I’m proposing the week of the 6th and probably Monday the 6th if everyone’s back,” asking members to plan to review the numbers and return with thoughts. Members expressed general agreement with that schedule and asked staff to publish the agenda the day after the July 6 meeting to reduce workload for staff.
The board also discussed a contingency session: participants tentatively set an ETH meeting for July 8 at 7 p.m. as a backup if the July 6 workshop does not complete business. A member noted turnout estimates at about 1,262 ballots cast, which others said appeared slightly lower than prior contests; percentage turnout was recalled in the 17–19 percent range. The board asked staff to confirm exact participation figures.
Procedural note: the board confirmed that setting a mill rate was not applicable at the meeting given the failed referendum outcome but said the selectmen might still set a mill rate while budget work proceeds.
Before adjourning, the board moved to adjourn; Ken and Nikki were recorded as seconds, and the chair closed the meeting at 9:01 p.m.
The Board of Finance scheduled the initial budget workshop for the week of July 6 and asked staff to distribute a proposed agenda and turnout figures in advance.
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