Durham Voters Approve $5.93M Budget

Voters in Durham have approved next year's budget.

A crowd of about 70 residents passed the $5.93 million 2012-2013 budget Monday night during a town meeting at Coginchaug High School. The spending plan for most residents.

While most in attendance supported the budget, others voiced opposition to some of the spending — or lack thereof.

Former First Selectman James McLaughlin attempted to pursuade the finance board to remove $25,000 from a new line item for emergency expenditures.

The money, finance chair Fran Korn explained, gave the town more flexibility in dealing with disasters such last year's two storms. Eventually, a motion made by McLaughlin to eliminate the line item was defeated.

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Donia Viola, who similarly attempted to reduce salary increases for non-union town hall staff by making a motion which was also defeated, said she was disappointed in the turnout at the meeting.

"It's time for a referendum," said Viola, who also criticized town officials for not including funding for involving the city of Middletown.

Laura Francis said the project was in the early stages and therefore no money could yet be allocated for the project.

Longtime Durham resident Dave Montgomery spoke in favor of the budget.

"It is well balanced. Not only is it in the interest of our financial status, but it is also a point of harmony with other boards and commissions in this town," he said.

The budget passed on a voice vote, with only a handful of residents opposing it.

A moment of silence was held at the start of the meeting for Laurie Stevens, a longtime Durham resident and Board of Finance member who died suddenly last month.