A New Hampshire judge has ruled in favor of Derry residents who are seeking to repeal town budget cuts.
Three residents took legal action last month in Rockingham Superior Court after town councilors had voted not to take action on eight referendum petitions.
The petitions challenged the councilors' decision in May to approve the town's $40.2 million budget, which led to the closure of a fire station, reduced overtime for fire and police and other cutbacks.
The Eagle Tribune reports a judge said Monday that citizens have the right to file petitions against budget cuts put in place by the Town Council, in accordance with charter rules.
The town clerk says a special election will be held within the next few weeks allowing voters to weigh in on the cuts.