23-05-2025
Budget Referendum: Voters hit polls today to approve, fail budget
WILLIMANTIC — Voters will have the opportunity to hit the polls today to decide whether they approve the proposed budget for the Board of Education, General Government and operating expenses for the Willimantic Taxing District Board of Directors.
The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Board of Education proposed $53,044,332 in operating expenses and $1,337,000 in capital expenditures. The General Government proposed $21,068,961 in operating expenses, while the Willimantic Taxing District Board of Directors is proposing $13,405,869 in operating expenses.
Town Manager Robert Zarnetske said the proposed budget was designed to accomplish two goals: reduce the burden on taxpayers and make strategic adjustments to all programs to set the town on a path toward stable taxes in the future.
'I think we substantially achieved both goals,' Zarnetske said. 'If the budget passes as is, the tax increase for most property owners will be minimal — about $40 to $100.'
Zarnetske added the increase would be even less for those who only pay taxes on their automobiles.
Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo said he feels good about the proposed budget, which he believes provides the community with the services people want in Windham.
'The Town Council has made staff cuts and accepted difficult choices to the workflow in town hall as proposed by Town Manager Robert Zarnetske,' DeVivo said. 'The council is committed to the town selling many of the vacant properties the town owns and controls.'
DeVivo believes those properties could contribute revenue to the town and alleviate the burden on homeowners.
'I urge all voters to vote 'yes' on May 20, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at their usual voting spot, and keep Windham moving forward,' DeVivo said.
Council member Bill Sayers said this budget is an absolute bottom-line budget.
'I believe every board did their due diligence to craft budgets that were solid, but responsible to the taxpayers,' Sayers said. 'I hope that when people go to the polls to vote, they will vote 'yes' on all three budgets. I sincerely believe that Windham voters will realize that the work was done and vote to approve.'
Polling places for voters will be at the VFW, Elks Lodge and the Windham Center Fire Department. If unsure of your polling place, call 860-465-3016 or 860-465-3013.
