East Lyme — The Board of Finance after lengthy deliberations approved a proposed $77.99 million budget that officials hope will put the town in a good position as it slowly emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.
If the spending plan makes it intact through a public hearing on Monday and a budget referendum in May, there will be one new police officer and numerous new teachers to help the town face the realities of the 2021-22 fiscal year.
The proposal designates $52.21 million for education, $19.38 million for general government, $5.72 million for debt service and $683,113 for capital. It represents a total increase of 2.37% over the current budget.