[UPDATE] Voting Turnout in Southbury Similar to Years Past

[UPDATE 1:15 P.M.] Midday voting turnout for the Southbury town and school budget referendum is similar to years past, according to town officials.

1,198 votes have been cast in Southbury as of 12:45 p.m., according to Democratic Registrar of Voters Marie Greene.

“It’s holding about the same,” said Greene. “We usually get about 3,000 to 3,200 votes for a referendum, so we’re right on track for that.”

357 ballots have been cast as of noon in Middlebury. 

“It’s been a little bit slower than we’d like,” poll moderator Marilee Dabkowski said Wednesday, though she expected it to pickup later in the day.

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[ORIGINAL STORY] Southbury voters will head to the polls today to vote on a decreased town budget and increased school budget.

Polls open at 6 a.m. at the Center Firehouse, 461 Main Street South in Southbury, and remain open until 8 p.m.

The school budget, a $61.95 million proposal, is a 2.82% increase from the previous year and the first budget increase in Region 15 in three years. The region has had a flat increase the past two years, and proposals of $60,251,578 have passed referendum with ease twice.

This year’s school budget is designed to address declining enrollment, full day kindergarten, school security, information technology, and to prepare the district for Common Core State Standards and Smarter Balanced Assessments, according to Region 15 Superintendent Dr. Frank Sippy.

"This budget will enable us to continue our work on behalf of children," said Sippy.

The town budget, a $18,980,055 proposal, is a 0.9% decrease from the previous year, due in large part to savings in employee medical coverage and energy savings.

“I believe it is a carefully considered, responsible budget that shows our commitment to continuing to make Southbury a great place to raise a family, own a business and retire,” said First Selectman Ed Edelson.

The referendum will ask voters the following two questions, according to the registrar’s office:

QUESTION 1 - “Shall the Town of Southbury appropriate $18,980,055 for the municipal budget and approve the Special Revenue Funds appropriations for the fiscal year July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014?”

QUESTION 2 - “Shall the proposed 2013 - 2014 Budget of the Pomperaug Regional School District #15 in the amount of $61,952,264 be adopted?”

Check back with Southbury Patch for updates throughout the day and results as they come in tonight.