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On Tuesday, May 12th, voters will be deciding more than the budget; you’ll be making decisions about the community in which we live. In what kind of community do you wish to live? One that values learning and education? Cares about our seniors and children? Provides assistance for those in need? Outstanding fire, police, and ambulance services, Meals on Wheels, concerts on the Green, access to the airline trail, quality schools, physical fitness programs, youth forums … the list goes on. All contribute towards an outstanding
community.
At the same time, our families face challenging economic times. These challenges were kept in mind as the budget was developed. The Board of Education’s budget is the lowest increase in anyone’s memory. The Town’s total increase is less than the increase in insurance premiums. While we cannot match last year’s zero mil increase, we know that every penny matters in your households and have worked diligently to continue to provide high quality education and the services you need with a minimal tax increase.
I don’t want to inundate you with numbers – all of the budget information can be found at www.colchesterct.gov or by calling our office at 537-7220, but I do want to make this budget personal. For a homeowner with a house that is market valued at $200,000, this year’s proposed increase means an additional $89.60 in taxes, or $7.47 per month. If your house market value is $450,000, the additional cost would be $201.60 or $16.80 per month.
As for the proposed bond questions, if ALL four questions pass the impact for a home valued at $100,000 begins at $27.97 per year in 2011 and drops to $16.15 in 2020; for a house valued at $300,000, the beginning cost is $83.91 dropping to $48.44 during the same time frame.
So, “what do I, who have no children to use the schools, ball fields, or youth center -- who does not use the Senior Center or Library nor travel on town roads or visit town hall to license a dog, get a permit to improve my home, or visit the Water Department to pay a bill -- who never enters a building in Colchester or eats at one of our restaurants -- what do I get?” After seventeen months and talking to many people with many perspectives, I have the same answer – you get a community, the community in which you live. Although it sounds like a simplistically pat answer, think about it. The budget isn’t about dollars – it’s about what you want in the community of which you are part.
I urge you to take the time to vote -- each and every one is important. This budget is reasonable, prudent, and responsible and takes into consideration both the economic times and the needs of our residents. Does it address the future? In small part; however, like you, we are working with diminishing resources and ever increasing costs. Like you, we are working hard to meet today’s needs, while exploring ways to meet our long-term needs. And, like you, we are working on a bare bones budget.
It takes only minutes to vote. Stop on your way to work, picking up the kids, the grocery store, or the game. All voting will take place in Town Hall and the polls are open from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
And please don’t forget the Post Office Food Drive this Saturday! Donations should be left by or on your mailbox early. Volunteers are needed at the food bank to unload trucks and stock shelves.
I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!
Previous Selectman Notes can be viewed at
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