Westport voters headed to the polls Tuesday to decide the fate of a $3 million override. Results came in after our deadline, but check us out online — results will be posted as soon as they are …
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Westport voters headed to the polls Tuesday to decide the fate of a $3 million override. Results came in after our deadline, but check us out online — results will be posted as soon as they are available.
The override to the state’s Proposition 2 1/2 would permanently increase the town tax levy limit by $3 million and would result in a $225 yearly tax increase this year for the owner of a $500,000 home. If it passes Tuesday, the tax rate would increase from $8.38 to $8.83 per $1,000 of assessed value.
In return, town officials say, the override would give Westport much-needed breathing room and help reduce its structural deficit, a perpetual fiscal shortfall that officials say makes it difficult for the town to balance its budget each year without cutting into vital services.
If the July vote passes, the $1 million in appropriations approved in May would be spent this year on the following:
• $405,000 would go to Westport Community Schools;
• $250,000 would go into the town's stabilization fund;
• $75,000 would go to police department salaries;
• $66,000 would go to fire department salaries;
• $65,000 would go to building department salaries;
• $60,000 would go to highway department salaries;
• $55,000 would go to information technology expenses;
• $19,000 would go to Council on Aging expenses;
• $5,000 would go to Council on Aging salaries.