Voters rejected both the town and school budgets Tuesday, but funding for road repairs convincingly passed.
The town budget was narrowly defeated, 982 to 943, while the education budget had a higher margin, 1,081 to 847, according to the Republican American.
Oxford First Selectman George Temple wasn't immediately available for comment Tuesday night, but he had previously said supporting the town budget was a "no-brainer."
“The budget is extremely frugal and will allow us to adequately fund not only our safety functions (fire, police, ambulance and public works) but also our quality of life issues such as town government, parks and recreation, library, senior center and transportation.) The total increase in this budget is approximately 0.3 percent. We will also be allowed to purchase much needed public works, fire and ambulance equipment. In short, this is a 'no brainer.’'"
Of the education budget, Temple had said, "This budget represents an increase of about $1 million. That is a lot of money; however $700,000 of this is related to contractual and union requirements. It is what it is. The remaining $300,000 includes among other items, all day kindergarten.”
As presented to voters, the proposed budgets would have raised the tax rate 3.38 percent to 25.59 mills.
The budgets will again go to the Board of Finance, which will make adjustments before sending it back to voters.
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