CHARLEMONT — Special election voters defeated a $376,150 debt-exclusion by seven votes; with 98 opposed and 91 in favor.
The money, to be raised above the town’s 2½ percent tax levy limit, was to have been used to purchase a new police cruiser, a new Highway Department truck with snow-removal equipment, and Fire Department hoses, air packs and a rescue truck.
The temporary tax hike had been approved at annual town meeting earlier this spring by more than the needed two-thirds majority.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Dewey received 97 votes in her re-election bid to be town moderator.