Simsbury's 2013-2014 Budget Approved At Referendum

Simsbury voters approved the town's 2013-2014 budget at referendum Tuesday.

The Board of Selectmen budget passed 865 to 318 and the education budget 807 to 380. The third question, which covers other areas of spending, passed 886 to 297.

In all, 1187 people voted, about 7.4 percent of those qualified.

"We thank the people who came out and voted and the boards and Commissions that worked so hard," first selectman Mary Glassman said.

Also Tuesday, the Board of Finance set the tax rate, measured in mills, which is equal to $1 of tax for each $1,000 of assessment.

While spending levels are going up about 2 percent, due to revaluation, home values went down approximately 15 percent, officials said. Due to lower home assessments, the town taxes at a higher rate to make up the difference. Town officials said people will pay the higher rate on their new assessment.

The new rate was set at 38.51 mills, which includes the fire district. The 2012-2013 rate was 32.40 in all. To figure out exact tax bills, homeowners can go to the town's online tax calculator at http://www.simsbury-ct.gov/tax-office/pages/tax-calculator. Simply type in your new assessment and use the new rate.