When the November elections roll around, Newtown voters will find they have at least some say in spending that would normally have been voted on at the referendum in April. That referendum was shut down via Executive Order by the governor due to concerns that municipalities would not be able to adhere to social distancing directives in place.

The Legislative Council on May 6 voted to approve the town budget of $42,947,759 and the school district budget of $78,651,776, and authorized capital bonding for road improvements, infrastructure improvements at Fairfield Hills, as well as a reduced authorization for critical upgrades to the town’s emergency radio system; it is the latter that leaves room for public approval come the fall.

That $7.5 million package to purchase and install new emergency communications equipment at the police headquarters currently under construction at 191 South Main Street, could have been endorsed by the Council to fully move forward with the radio system upgrade; by breaking the authorization into a $2.5 million authorization now, followed by a $5 million amount to be authorized through voter participation, immediate needs to keep Newtown safe are put into action, and later provide voters with an opportunity to determine the value of the remaining cost of upgrades.

The Legislative Council took the high road, authorizing only the essential funds to get underway, trusting that voters in November will support this effort. Public input was scarce, it should be noted, regarding the capital bonding projects, including that of the emergency radio system; residents now have several months to consider the added value.

The worth of up-to-date emergency communications for police, ambulance, paramedics, and Newtown’s fire companies has become only more apparent during this novel coronavirus pandemic; past experiences with devastating storms, as well as the everyday occurrences of accidents and illness makes it clear that Newtown can no longer be left to rely on a system that includes dead zones. Who will not vote ‘Yes’ in November to provide remaining funding?

Concerns were raised at the May 6 meeting that voters should have the ability to vote on the entire $7.5 million package for updated emergency radio communications. Waiting until November, however, would be a setback to installation in the new quarters, with dispatchers left to continue limping along at Town Hall South until the first phase was completed — meanwhile leaving gaps in service that continue to threaten the lives of those in the “dead zones.”

Our elected officials have offered an olive branch to citizens upset by the lack of a referendum this unusual springtime; examine the branch, turn over each leaf in the upcoming months through conversations with town officials. Then consider the risk to neighbors and friends if a “no” vote sees a system only partially improved put in place.

We are all acutely aware of economic concerns; but it is lives that turn the economic wheel — and losing even one because available technology is turned aside is not a burden this town needs to bear.