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Finally, the last column on the goals set for last year! As you know from the first column on the subject, I had set twenty-three goals for the past year in the areas of communications, economic development, community involvement, services, and finance. Fifteen of those goals have been covered in the past several weeks’ articles. This week will focus on the eight finance related goals.
We began the process of zero-based budgeting and line item clarity during last year’s budget process. Working closely with the CFO and department heads, budgets were revamped to be more easily read and understood by residents – fewer “miscellaneous” type accounts, more detail, and recategorized where necessary. Actual expenditures were scrutinized for the past five years for each line item and budgeted for accordingly. For the first time, the line item budget with detail was put up on the web-site along with video of the budget presentation.
The Senior Citizen Tax Relief Task Force, under the leadership of Chair Rosemary Coyle, has met throughout the year to explore and recommend options to address the issues facing senior and handicapped residents regarding rising taxes. Their first step was to research, pull together, and make known all of the programs currently available. Their work resulted in a brochure outlining all of those services. The brochure can be found online or in various Town Hall offices. Their work continues as they explore the next level of options. Much thanks for Rosemary, Ron Goldstein, Jerry Blume, Eileen Fazekas, Neil Gervais, Brenden Healy, and Bill Wagner for their work.
Collaborative efforts with the Superintendent and Board of Education continue as we convened a committee of two members from each of the Boards – Selectmen, Finance, and Education – to review the 1992 policy and develop a new policy to encompass all Town purchasing. The draft of that new policy has recently been distributed to the three boards for feedback. We continue to work with the Board of Education in the area of purchasing to increase our economies of scale.
We continue to apply for state and federal grants. The most recent work has been done on the “shovel-ready” projects requested by the Governor in the event that a stimulus package does occur. Colchester submitted of list of approximately $10 million of projects that are needed and could be started within 90-days. Projects include water/sewer expansion and infrastructure, building renovations, OCR compliance in the schools, Bacon Academy track, Town Hall security, energy-saving upgrades in schools and town buildings, technology upgrades in Town Hall, and new parking lots and sidewalks. We don’t know if we’ll receive any of the funds, but we will continue to pursue every avenue. At the same time, working with department heads, we will continue to aggressively pursue all grants for which we
are eligible and which serve our needs. We are currently working on grants through our Public Health department to address the growing issue of obesity (sidewalks), Parks & Recreation Department to replace trees in the center of town, Sewer & Water Department for infrastructure, Planning & Zoning for work on Lebanon Avenue and to extend water and sewer, and our office for the old firehouse and technology.
In combination with our CFO, Maggie Cosgrove, and IT Coordinator, Marc Tate, our financial software was made available to all applicable employees. Because of this, we were able to implement a purchasing order and pre-approval process throughout all departments. Every penny spent is scrutinized as we continue to explore innovative and creative ways to combine resources wherever possible.
Working closely with the Board of Finance and Board of Education, Colchester’s taxpayers were presented with a “no-tax increase” budget last year. We will continue to work to provide taxpayers with a fiscally conservative budget. Knowing that this is going to be a tough year for all, I am hoping that you will become involved in the budget process. We need to hear from you early in the process (January-March) as the budget is built. It’s just not possible to keep taxes down to the extent that Colchester has for the past two years without eventually cutting services. A lot of conversations will be occurring in the coming months – please come and let your voice be heard. If you can’t make a scheduled meeting or coffee, drop in to the office – I’d love to chat
with you.
As a member of the Southeastern CT Council of Governments (SCCOG), we work closely with the other nineteen municipalities to share and capitalize on resources wherever possible. Discussions are ongoing about where and how we can share assets with each other and/or do business differently to maximize all of our dollars.
The area of focus that was not met was advocating in Hartford and DC regarding property tax reform and education funding. I have spoken with all of our legislators about these topics; however Colchester is extremely fortunate in that Congressman Courtney, State Senator Eileen Daily, and State Representative Linda Orange are always working on behalf of their constituents in these areas. I have attended legislative sessions with the CT Conference of Municipalities and SCCOG, as well as several hearings in Hartford. One of next year’s goals is to work more closely with the CT Organization of Small Towns to advocate in Hartford on behalf of towns.
That, in a nutshell (and four columns!) is the last year. I’m sure I’ve left out things that might be of interest to you. If so, please don’t hesitate to call (537-7220) or email (selectman@colchesterct.gov) and let me know.
I wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and safe new year.
Previous Selectman Notes can be viewed at
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