Leaving a Lean Budget

This budget season has been the most difficult in decades, with two defeated referenda and a third coming up on the 27th. In this third referendum, the Board of Finance has cut another $465,000 from the last budget we voted on, the majority coming from operations. The total town budget would actually be decreasing (actually going negative) if it were not for the debt service for three new, voter-approved projects. This works out to a total increase of 1.36 percent over last year, the lowest increase in at least five years.

By now your readers have received their July tax bill, based on the interim tax rate of 19.30 mills. This 0.68 mill increase covers the education budget of $50.3 million (an increase of $1.6 million). The town increase outlined above, if passed, will require a further increase on only 0.08 mills-literally pennies per thousand dollars of valuation. While every taxpayer dollar is serious, our boards and I feel we are being very efficient with taxpayer money.

The original budget and the next revision were both responsible budgets. The voters have spoken, however, and the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance have heard them. We have made major reductions to address their concerns. But it is important for our town to have an operating budget. I believe this budget cuts funds and cuts projects, leaving a lean budget behind. I encourage your readers to come out and support this budget on the 27th!

First Selectman Fillmore McPherson
Madison