Avon Budget Passes Automatically

Less than 9 percent of Avon registered voters turned out to vote Wednesday on the proposed 2013-14 budget, so it passed automatically.

That means the budget will be $81.76 million for 2013-14.

Since the budget passed, that means the tax rate next fiscal year will need to increase by 2.6 percent.

In Avon, 9 percent is needed for the referendum to be deemed an "official vote" by majority, according to Town Council Chairman Mark Zacchio. About 8.7 percent voted, just shy of that threshold. As of 5 p.m., just over 5 percent had voted.

However a majority of the 1,060 who voted did endorse the proposed budget. Zacchio said that 812 voted yes and 248 voted no.

Zacchio said that officials put a lot of "hard work" into the process from town staff to the "collective recommendation of the elected board members."

"Avon found the right combination of services, programming, and funding of town obligations through a strong collaborative effort," Zacchio wrote in an email to Patch. "Starting with strong recommendations from the town manager and superintendent, the boards developed a reasonable budget that makes strategic investments in roads, town infrastructure and education, and we're very pleased the voters gave us a chance to put it into action. This budget allows Avon meet current and future obligations, and extend the quality of life we are so well known for."

Did you vote today? Tell us why or why not in the comment. Also what is most important to you in next year's budget?