Essex-Essex Junction merger vote fails

ESSEX, Vt. (WCAX) - There will be no merger for the town of Essex and village of Essex Junction.

Both the town and village voted as a whole.

Voters said no to the plan on a count of 3,751-3,734. Thirty ballots were undervotes, which means the answers to the questions were left blank. That means the merger failed by 17 votes.

Supporters said it would streamline things for both municipalities. Opponents contended the plan to equalize taxes is unfair.

The two communities have been debating a possible merger for decades.

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