Voters rejected both the proposed 2026-27 town and school budgets at a referendum on April 28.

Voters denied the $51 million town budget 1,791 no to 1,506 yes; and the $96 million school budget 1,798 no to 1,504 yes. Advisory questions for whether, if voted down, the budget bottom line should increase were also rejected, 2,592 no to 645 yes for the town and 2,315 no to 947 yes for the schools.

Had it been approved, the total budget bottom line would have been $147,415,217, a 4.34% increase. The mill rate would have increased to 29.54, a 2.79% increase.

The turnout was 3,326 casting votes out of 18,367 registered voters, an 18% turnout, down from last year's 25.4% turnout.

First Selectman Bruce Walczak said he was "disappointed" with the vote, but understood that voters were experiencing "tough economic times."

"I appreciate the fact that the voters are telling us it's tough to see costs go up," said Walczak. "This was their opportunity to make their voices heard, and they did so, loud and clear."

The six advisory questions had mixed results.

The first, concerning artificial turf fields at Treadwell Park, was voted down 2,017 no to 1,261 yes.

The second, concerning the parking lot and sidewalks at C.H. Booth Library, was approved 1,837 yes to 1,467 no.

The third, regarding a public works salt storage facility, was approved 1,659 yes to 1,625 no.

The fourth, about improvements to the parking lot at Trades Lane, was rejected 1,256 to 2,007.

The fifth, about improvements to the Head O'Meadow parking lot, was approved 1,804 to 1,484.

The sixth, regarding funds for the acquisition of open space, was approved 2,210 to 1,081.

Legislative Council Chairman Laura Miller stated in a release that the council will conduct a special meeting at 7:30 pm Tuesday, May 5 to consider reductions to the 2026-27 budget, and noted that the council "seeks input from all residents."

"Please consider participating via e-mail, in person, or remotely," stated Miller.

Walczak said that it was the council's job to "dig in to serious decisions that have to be made quickly."

"It's a pretty short window before this has to go back to referendum," said Walczak.

Walczak said that prior to the May 5 meeting, he and Finance Director Glenys Salas would be working together to come up with a list of possible cuts for the council to consider. However, Walczak said he has "no idea what dollar amount they may consider." The council has the ultimate decision on the bottom line that will be sent back to voters.

Superintendent of Schools Anne Uberti said that she and her team were "obviously very disappointed in the result, and also in the significant drop in voter turnout compared to last year."

"Approximately 3,297 residents voted this year, compared to 4,287 last year — a decline of about 990 voters, or roughly 23%, according to my notes from last night," Uberti said. "We believe we presented a thoughtful, responsible budget that reflects what is needed to maintain the quality of education and overall student experience that our families expect in Newtown."

"After eliminating more than 30 positions last year, any additional reductions that will now be imposed by the Legislative Council will have a direct impact on students and families," continued Uberti. "We will do everything we can to minimize that impact, but as I shared throughout the budget process, we are at a point where further reductions will be felt."

Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.