PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
APRIL 14, 2003
SOUTH WINDSOR COUNCIL CHAMBERS
8:00 P.M.
PURPOSE: TO RECEIVE CITIZEN INPUT ON THE PROPOSED GENERAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003/2004.
The Public Hearing was called to order at 8:05 p.m. by Mayor Aman. The Clerk of the Council read the Call of the Meeting (a copy of which is attached hereto).
Council Members Present:
Mayor William Aman
Deputy Mayor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Barbara Barbour
Councillor Paul Burnham
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Edward F. Havens
Councillor Judith Paquin
Councillor John Pelkey
Also Present:
Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
Finance Director Melanie Crucitti
Mayor Aman advised that this Public Hearing related to “everything the Town does other than education,” and the Public Hearing relating to the Board of Education’s Budget would be held the following evening, April 15, 2003.
Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan presented the following information as part of his review:
The Board of Education Operating Budget as proposed includes an 8.24% increase, or $3.6 million.
The Town Government Operating Budget as proposed includes a 3.97% increase, or $743,000.
The overall Town Budget, including everything, involves a 6.28% increase
Minutes
Public Hearing – General Government Budget
Page 2
April 14, 2003
Due to the fact that there have been a lot of decreases in State and Federal aid, as well as mid-year cuts, he was forced to eliminate programs. It is also a revaluation year, which means that some people will be looking at tax increases, depending upon the increased values of property. Others may be looking at a leveling off or a decrease. The adjustments to the budget were then addressed (see attached Exhibit A).
Based upon the budgets as presented, as well as the loss of revenues, the proposed mill rate is 30.55, compared to last year’s rate of 37.55. At first glance, this might lead one to believe that it would mean no tax increase. However, that is not the case because of the revaluation.
Mr. Galligan used his house as an example. He is currently paying $5,800 in taxes. The assessed value of his home increased approximately 52% from the last assessment. Therefore, he would be looking at an 18% increase on his real property. With the values of motor vehicles decreasing, and with the drop in the mill rate, he would be looking at a 9.2% increase in his taxes.
The following members of the audience spoke:
Joseph Carino, 2545 Ellington Road, asked the Town Council to reconsider the two Police Officer positions which are being deferred for a year. He spoke of the long process of training for Police Officers. He asked that the positions be reinstated without an increase in the budget, and he offered the following suggestion as to how this might be accomplished. He said that there are many services offered by the Town to organizations, for which he believes the Town should be reimbursed. As an example, he referred to the South Windsor Ambulance Corps, which several years ago relied upon their annual appeal to the public for funds. South Windsor provided them with a facility, utilities, gas, oil, etc., which amounted to about $60,000 a year. He said that the organization of
years ago no longer exists; today the Corps is a “growing business” and is making money. They are being reimbursed for their efforts, since many years ago they were granted permission to charge for their ambulance service. Mr. Carino said that the people of South Windsor, through their taxation, pay the $60,000 for the services. However, because of the fact that they also charge for their services, it is like double taxation. He felt that some of that money should be reimbursed to the Town by the Ambulance Corps for the assistance the Town has given them for the past 25 years.
Minutes
Public Hearing – General Government Budget
Page 3
April 14, 2003
Another example offered by Mr. Carino pertained to an off-campus class being offered by the Manchester Community College, which is taught in the Town’s police facility. Each student is charged $299 for the course, and the Town gets nothing.
Mr. Carino emphasized that there are many other areas where money could be brought back to the Town, and he asked that every budget item be examined closely.
William Keohane, President of the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce, was present this evening to represent the Chamber and offered congratulations for a budget document that seeks to match Town expenses to the Town’s Strategic Plan. He explained that the Chamber subscribes to the goal of providing cost-effective services that meet citizen and community needs and expectations. They recognize the challenges this year due to the general down-swing in support from outside sources, the increases associated with employee benefits, and the impact of economic factors. He said the Chamber wished to recognize the progress which has been made in the area of consolidation of services and they encourage more of that consolidation.
Continuing, Mr. Keohane said that the tax base can and should expand through an economic development program and that the Chamber urges the residents to become aware of the importance of economic development for the community.
In conclusion, he said that the Chamber—representing the business community—offers its support to the Town.
The Public Hearing was recessed at 8:30 p.m. in order to call the Budget Work Session to order. That meeting was recessed and the Public Hearing was immediately reconvened.
Robert Benson, West Road, referenced the cuts likely to be made by the Governor and the need for the Town to absorb the financial burden. He said that if the Town cannot provide the same services expected by the citizens, then there is certainly no room to add new items to the budget.
Mr. Benson then addressed the proposed Board of Education Budget and expressed his shock at their request for an 8% increase. He asked that the Town tighten its purse strings.
Minutes
Public Hearing – General Government Budget
Page 4
April 14, 2003
Tom Dillon, 34 Barber Hill Road, expressed his belief that the budget process is flawed. He spoke of the unrealistic budget increase proposed by the Board of Education. He also stressed that the taxpayers should make the decision concerning what services they “want and can afford.”
Roy Normen, Homestead Drive, commended the Town Manager and his staff for their work on the budget. He questioned whether the Town is getting the maximum out of its technology and suggested that this be evaluated. He spoke of reducing the waste stream to cut down on the costs as well as reducing the costs associated with leaf pickup.
Referring to Evergreen Walk, Mr. Normen noted the lack of interest or apathy on the part of residents with regard to the activities of the owners of Buckland Hills Mall.
Mayor Aman then called for a Straw Vote, the results of which were as follows:
Those in favor of the Town Budget as presented – 2
Those in favor of a Town Budget higher than that presented – 8
Those in favor of a Town Budget lower than that presented – 0
The Public Hearing was closed at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Merlyn P. Guild
Assistant to the Clerk of the Council
Attachments
| 
