Voters in Berlin have decided against authorizing $21 million in bonds to build a new police headquarters.
The Berlin Police Department posted on its Facebook page Tuesday night that residents voted down the referendum 3,445 to 2,118.
It was a vote that brought many to the polls.
Ten minutes before the polls opened at 6 a.m., at least 20 people had gathered outside the Berlin Senior Center, waiting to cast their ballots.
By noon, turnout was shaping up to be as heavy as it usually is for a presidential election, according to the polling station moderator.
“I think it’s a big issue, really,” said Berlin resident Jean Letendre, who hadn’t yet made up her mind. “It’s going to take some time.”
Berlin police have been headquartered in the basement of the town hall for 40 years. With more than double the officers now, the Berlin Town Council voted this summer in favor of a new police station.
Opponents got the issue onto the ballot. Their signs read: “$21,000,000.00, Vote No.”
Supporters' signs read: “Keep Berlin Safe, Vote Yes.”
Three years ago, voters overwhelmingly approved a $70 million bond issue for Berlin High School after an $83 million plan failed at the polls the year before.
