Eastbrook residents to vote on budget, municipal officials

EASTBROOK – Voters will be asked to consider a proposed 2004-05 municipal budget of $231,596 at their annual town meeting next week.

All of the proposed spending will need to be raised from taxes. That is a drastic departure from last year, when the town used the last of its surplus to fund about half of the budget, First Selectman Charles L. Yeo said.

“Taxes will go up,” he said.

Budget items on the warrant include $17,456 for a payment on the town’s sander truck, $21,000 for a paving contract to resurface Route 200 and $20,000 for the Fire Department.

Voters also will elect a town clerk, three selectmen, a director for the school administration district and a member of the planning board. As is customary, the moderator will take nominations from the floor for each of the positions.

Residents also will consider compensation for the clerk and three selectmen, as well as contributions to local charitable organizations and community agencies.

Yeo said he expects residents also will talk about the town’s future needs for road paving.

The town meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday at the Eastbrook Municipal Building on Route 200.