March 15, 2012
Town Proposed Budget
Two weeks ago, I presented my recommended 2012-13 town budget to the Board of Finance for their review. The board now has the difficult task of reviewing and revising the proposed budget.
Throughout the process, the public has an opportunity to voice their opinion at each meeting and all board members encourage your participation. Everyone wants to develop a budget that is reflective of the wishes of the community and your input is needed to make that happen.
The proposed town budget is an overall 3.13% decrease from last year. The major reason for the decrease is a large drop in debt service. Another reason for the decrease is a decline in our cost of health insurance. Although there is a big drop in debt service, we must be mindful there is also a drop in revenue associated with that debt service, specifically school construction grants.
The Board of Finance asked that the proposed budget essentially fill the net drop in debt service with capital needs and I have done exactly that. This will help address some of the capital items we have deferred. It also is part of a long term plan to have the ability to decrease capital spending and shift those funds to debt service if we decided to move forward with the WJJMS renovation in the future.
Looking only at the town operations budget, which excludes debt and capital, there is a 1.75% increase. Most of that increase can be attributed to the proposed Resident Trooper who would be dedicated to third shift. That item will have further discussion to determine if this is the year to proceed with that additional service.
Of course, everyone wants to know what the impact of the proposed budget will mean for your taxes. The proposed mill rate would be 29.74 if both the town and school budgets remain as presented. As this is a revaluation year, the change in the mill rate is attributable to both the proposed budget and the new property assessments.
I have already seen and heard statements regarding the tax implications of the new budget and I urge everyone to be very careful when hearing these statements. The simple truth is that some people will see an increase in their taxes, some a decrease, and some will stay about the same. There is no way you will know this until you look at what you are paying in taxes now versus what you will be paying under the new budget and your new assessment attend the fair. There is a great deal of satisfaction in serving your community and I hope you will consider this opportunity to help your friends and neighbors.
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On the town website, there is a tax calculation aid that will give you a rough estimate of your change in taxes. If you would like to know the exact dollar amount, please contact town hall and we would be happy to help.
Volunteer Fair
On Wednesday, March 28th, there will be a Volunteer Fair at Town Hall from 4:30 – 7:00 PM. Colchester is truly run and supported by volunteers. However, we need more help. Too many of our boards and commissions have vacancies and we need citizens to step up and volunteer.
Representatives from many of our boards, community organizations, and departments will be on hand at the fair to answer citizen questions and hopefully recruit some new people. If you are considering volunteering, I urge you to.
- Gregg Schuster
First Selectman
Previous Selectman Notes can be viewed at
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