East Lyme ― Voters on Thursday approved a $90.6 million budget for 2024-25 that promises to drive up taxes by 5.9%.

The budget passed 512-361. About 6.4% of eligible voters turned out at the polls.

The budget represents an increase of $4.5 million, or 5.2%, over the current budget. Education expenses comprise $60 million, which represents an increase of 3.9%. Spending for town government comes in at $22.9 million, up 6.5%.

Among the most high-profile changes in the budget was the allocation of $308,755 to establish a centralized Fire Services Department.

The proposal came under fire from some supporters of the independent, volunteer departments in town who said the implementation of the centralized agency was rushed and not transparent.

Capital spending amounts to $902,750, more than doubling the cash available for large, one-time expenses compared to the current budget. The move is meant to reduce the town’s reliance on debt service over time.

Debt service amounts to $6.8 million, an increase of 9%.

Finance Director Kevin Gervais said the projected tax rate associated with the budget is 26.35 mills, up 1.48 mills from the current rate.

A taxpayer with a home valued at $500,000 would pay $9,223 in property taxes in the coming year if the budget is approved. That’s an increase of $515.

e.regan@theday.com