By Michelle L. Santoro

SHERMAN – Sherman’s Annual Budget Referendum was held Saturday, May 2 in the Sherman Emergency Services Facility from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Of the approximately 2,400 property owners in Sherman, less than 25 percent voted in this year’s Budget Referendum, with just 463 residents, in total, casting votes for the two budgets for fiscal year July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.  The budgets, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen acting as the Town’s Board of Finance, were as follows:

1. TOWN OF SHERMAN BUDGET OF $7,934,192; and

2. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET OF $10,095,148.

More than two-thirds of the residents who did vote, voted in favor of both budgets, which represent a 4.4 percent increase, in total, over last year’s budget.  Despite the increase, there wasn’t a lot of pushback from residents to cut the proposed amounts.  First Selectman Don Lowe said, “There was limited pushback on the 4.4% increase. Any pushback is understandable. But there wasn’t a lot. Our Annual Budget Meeting (April 18), for example, was attended by about 20 people and lasted 10 minutes. There were no objections at that meeting.”

Regarding voter turnout, Mr. Lowe said, “I wish we had a bigger turnout. I always wish that. Our turnouts for referendums have been small year-after-year. That’s not just with Sherman, but other towns as well. Actually, the turnout this year in comparison to previous years was a little higher than usual. But still, I wish it was higher.”  For the Town Budget, 326 residents, or 70.4 percent, voted Yes while 137 residents voted No. The vote on the Board of Education Budget was similar, with 308 residents voting in favor of the proposed budget, or 68.7 percent, and 145 residents voting against it.

The First Selectman expressed thanks for the residents who participated.  “I want to thank the people who did take time to come out and vote. It is much appreciated and we appreciate your willingness to do so.”