Salem – The town’s $14,781,081 budget proposal passed referendum Wednesday with 166 yes votes and 83 no votes - 9.1 percent of residents voted.

The total budget is an increase of $401,747 - 2.8 percent - over last year’s budget. The general government budget is $3,513,725, while the Board of Education budget is $10,351,968 and the capital expenditures budget is $915,388.

“I’m pleased the budget has passed,” First Selectman Kevin Lyden said. “The residents of Salem appear satisfied that we have put forward a fair budget.”

The finance board estimated last month that the tax rate would need to be around 30.1 mills to pay for the proposed budget. That would be an increase of 1.1 mills over last year.

The Board of Finance will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday night to set the mill rate and discuss the town meeting and referendum.

k.catalfamo@theday.com