2011)

Posted by Bob on May 17, 2011 under Daily Blogs | 2 Comments to Read

The Joint Boards of Finance and Mayor and Burgesses (“Joint Boards”) approved a proposed budget early Tuesday (5/17/2011) morning which will be presented to the public on Monday, May 23, 2011, 6:30 PM, at Naugatuck High School. Taxpayers may comment on all expenditures and revenue line items at the public hearing.

The current proposed budget totals a three and 32/100ths (3.32%) percent increase in municipal spending, and a one and 32/100ths (1.32%) percent increase for the board of education. The budget, if adopted would represent an increase (to 33.20) of one and 18/100ths (1.18) mills over the current mill rate (32.02).

In addition to an increase of SEVEN HUNDRED FORTY FIVE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED ELEVEN and 00/100THS ($745,311) DOLLARS for educational spending, pension requirements currently required by the Borough’s actuary have increased by FIVE HUNDRED SEVENTY NINE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY ONE and 00/100THS (579,431.00) DOLLARS.

Obviously we are not pleased with the prospect of the increased costs included in the current proposal. Many months have been spent reducing initial spending proposals. Last evening, additional reductions were made to almost all departmental supply accounts, various part-time positions and the elimination of the proposed blight officer. We encourage all interested taxpayers to attend and participate in the public hearing. Suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

After the public hearing, the Joint Boards will reconvene for a meeting currently scheduled for next Thursday, May 26, 2011, to formally adopt the 2011-2012 budget. The adopted budget is subject to referendum in accordance with the Borough Charter.

What will be interesting is the votes of each individual member of the Joint Boards. We are all forced to choose from multiple bad options as needs increase but revenues remain flat. Last evening, almost all members voted for spending increases in multiple departments after months of analyzing data and past history. Despite these votes, some members choose to vote against the revenue portion of the budget despite the fact that it is simply a mathematical function after finalizing expenditures. Do not be surprised if you hear certain individuals state that they voted against a tax increase, notwithstanding several votes to increase spending and a failure to propose a viable plan to significantly reduce costs.

Linda Ramos said,

I will be at this open Public Meeting on May 23rd to be
sure that the Blight Officer stays on the Budget. We need
to have that Officer hired in order to follow the new
Blight Ordinance. We need to help Naugatuck to be a
Community where others want to come and live and work,but
with Blight here no one will come.
Rocky said,

I find it confusing how certain public officials who were elected could sign a no tax increase pledge prior to be elected not knowing the financial needs of the borough or having all of the budget together yet. To vote for more spending, which is a reality with costs going up, and then vote against a tax increase is simply a ploy for popularity. Very regressive and not responsible. Somehow, it will all come together in spite of the irresponsible officials.