FIFTH ANNUAL TOWN BUDGET MEETING
September 11, 2006
The Annual Budget Meeting of the electors and citizens qualified to vote in Town Meetings of the Town of East Hampton was held on Monday, September 11, 2006 at the East Hampton High School on North Maple Street.
Moderator Faber opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Moderator Faber directed Town Clerk, Sandra Wieleba, to read the Legal Call. Motion made by Alison Walck and seconded by Alan Bergren to accept the Legal Call. Motion passed.
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Item. #1. To take action pursuant to Section 7 – 7 of the Connecticut General Statutes to set the time and date for a referendum by “YES” or “NO” vote on voting machines for the approval or disapproval of the Annual Budget for fiscal year 2006-2007 as recommended by the Town Council.
Moderator Faber requested resolution #1.
Alison Walck presented “RESOLVED that this Town Meeting sets the date of Tuesday, September 19, 2006 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for a referendum by “YES” or “NO” vote on voting machines for approval or disapproval of the annual budget for fiscal year 2006-2007 as recommended by the Board of Finance and approved by the Town Council”, seconded by Alan Bergren.
Moderator Faber asked if there was any discussion. Theodore Hintz, Chairman of the Board of Finance presented an overview of the budget which will be voted on September 19, 2006.
Questions from many residents were answered following the presentation. One resident asked about the increase in the contingency fund of $87,000. Mr. Hintz indicated that this amount was added back into the budget for town wide fuel.
Another resident asked about the addition of a mechanic and the lack of funds in order to provide parts. Mr. Hintz indicated that the position had been cut from the budget.
Another resident asked if the fuel prices continued to drop would the town’s budget indicate this in the Contingency Fund. Mr. Hintz indicated that the funds would be returned to the General Fund.
One resident asked if an additional position in the building department had been cut. Mr. Hintz indicated that the position had been cut and that he had spoken with the building inspector concerning this cut. Mr. James Carey, Building Inspector, indicated that he would be able to keep up with the increasing workload for another year if this position was cut from the budget.
A question concerning the total General Fund balance was asked. Mr. Bergren indicated that the fund balance was about $2.9 million.
A question concerning the proposed mill rate and the impact of this budget on taxes already paid. Mr. Hintz suggested speaking with the tax collector concerning this issue. The resident stressed the high taxes might force her to leave East Hampton and how difficult it was trying to keep up with tax increases.
A resident asked if an additional question would be on the ballot asking if the budget were too high or too low as recommended by the Town Council. Mr. Bergren confirmed that two questions would be on this ballot.
Another resident thanked the Board of Finance for providing this information. He commented on the low turnout and suggested that this information be placed in the Library, on the town’s web site and also in the River East. Mr. Hintz confirmed that he would make sure that this information would be available to the residents.
Moderator Faber called for a vote on the resolution #1 as there was no further discussion or questions. Vote declared in affirmative.
Motion made by Mr. George Coshow to recess the budget meeting at 7:36 p.m., to the referendum on September 19, 2006 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seconded by Alan Bergren. Motion passed.
Town Clerk
REFERENDUM September 19, 2006. Deputy Moderator Sandra Wieleba called the adjourned Town Meeting to order at 6:00 a.m. and voting began and continued until 8:00 p.m. Deputy Moderator Donald Martin called for counting of machine votes. Deputy Moderator Martin reported that the budget had passed. Motion to adjourn by John Robida and seconded by Sharon Kjellquist. Deputy Moderator Martin called for a vote. Vote in affirmative.
Five voting machines were used and18 absentee ballots were received and counted with none being rejected as follows:
SHALL THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL BE APPROVED?
Question |
YES |
NO |
Machine 159532 |
407 |
353 |
Machine 155486 |
318 |
241 |
Machine 149294 |
93 |
75 |
Machine 68619 |
87 |
53 |
Machine Total |
1,045 |
823 |
Absentee Total |
11 |
7 |
Total |
1,056 |
830 |
SHALL THE BOARD OF FINANCE BE ADVISED THAT THE 2006-2007 BUDGET AS RECOMMENDED IS TOO HIGH OR TOO LOW?
Question |
Too High |
Too Low |
Machine 159532 |
409 |
243 |
Machine 155486 |
285 |
189 |
Machine 153804 |
117 |
82 |
Machine 149294 |
87 |
55 |
Machine 68619 |
63 |
54 |
Machine Total |
961 |
623 |
Absentee Total |
8 |
5 |
|
|
|
TOTAL |
969 |
628 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total 27% of voters:
22 non-resident votes
Adjourned:
Sandra M. Wieleba, Town Clerk
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