MEXICO — Tuesday’s municipal budget election finally settled the operating budget for the town.

Town Manager John Madigan said the budget is $2,968,182, down $11,500 from the budget approved for fiscal year 2012-13.

The board cut $5,800 from the overall budget after it was first defeated in June. Because voters defeated the administration article requesting $354,821 for the second time on Tuesday, the FY 2012-13 approved amount of $348,629 will be used. All other articles were approved by voters.

Town ordinance allows no more than two votes on a referendum town meeting article.

Madigan said selectmen will decide where to make the $6,000 decrease in the municipal operation amount at a meeting later in August.

He was pleased that the town finally has an operating budget.

“It’s been a long time coming. People don’t realize how much more work it takes each time (to present new figures),” he said on Wednesday.

The tax rate will remain the same for 2013-14 as it was for last year, which is $25 per $1,000 valuation.

He said selectmen will set the tax commitment by the end of August, then residents will receive their tax bills.

The first half of property taxes will be due without penalty in October. The second half will be due in March.