Stonington approves sheriff patrols, town budget

Sets aside funds for internet, waterfront, recreation

- LESLIE LANDRIGAN

STONINGTON—Voters at town election and Town Meeting approved Stonington’s entire $1,741,542 budget, which includes thrice-weekly sheriff patrols, waterfront projects, rejuvenating the old ball field and improving internet service.

The total budget represents a 1.5 percent increase over the 2019 budget.

This year Stonington for the first time held the town election the day before Town Meeting. Voters cast ballots for 20 so-called “third-party requests” for funding, including nonprofit organizations and Hancock County Sheriffpatrols. All were approved, and two unopposed selectmen, John Robbins and John Steed, won re-election.

The scheduled election for Community School District board, between William “Bill” Shepard and Lawrence P. “Skip” Greenlaw, was called off because of a legal issue.

Selectman Donna Brewer said the purpose of moving the third-party requests from Town Meeting to the ballot was to encourage more people to participate.

A total of 147 people voted in the town election, 20 more than last year.

About 35 people attended Town Meeting on Saturday, March 14.

Internet