Ridgefield Voters Approve Budgets, Capital Projects; Deny Land Deal

Ridgefield voters approved the 2014-15 budgets proposed in Tuesday’s referendum — passing the 3.89 percent spending increase and several capital projects by a large margin — but turned down the sale of town-owned land by only six votes.

The final unofficial tally Tuesday night showed the municipal budget passing 1,481-505 (976-vote margin) and the education budget approved 1,323-671 (652-vote margin).

Residents also approved five capital projects included on Tuesday’s ballot but voted down the sale of town-owned property on Sunset Lane.

The land deal, which would have sold just under 10 acres to Toll Brothers Inc. for $4 million, failed by six votes, 961-967.

The capital projects, listed below, were approved for a total of $4,221,800, to be paid through long-term bonding.

• $1.85 million for Road Repairs — 1,708-285
• $660,000 for Gay Road Bridge, Town Hall Renovation & Sidewalk Improvements — 1,466-515
• $710,000 for Highway Mack Truck & Fire Engine — 1,371-610
  
• $322,800 for Ballard Park Playground & Clubhouse Renovations — 1,296-687
• $679,000 for School Building Renovations & Safety Upgrades — 1,403-575