PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
April 13, 2011
7:00 p.m.
Timothy Edwards Middle School
Room Alt. 6
PURPOSE: To receive citizen input on the Proposed Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2011/2012
Mayor Pelkey called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m.; and requested that the Clerk of the Council read the call of the meeting (a copy of which is attached hereto). There were approximately two (2) people present in the audience.
Chairperson Lisa Maneeley gave an overview of the proposed budget explaining that the proposed increase for this year’s budget is 1.88% or $1,181,640 making the new proposed budget $64,181,640. A ten year history of increases to the budget range from 4% to 11.4% with a 10 year average of 7.58%. Chairperson Maneeley then reviewed the factors contributing to the low budget increase, the budget increases, improvements to the High School curriculum and the new personnel proposed. In closing, the Board of Education feels this is a fiscally responsible budget.
Mayor Pelkey asked if there was anyone from the public that would like to speak.
The following members of the audience came forward to address the Board of Education budget:
Mr. Larry Torff of 521 Quarry Brook Drive came forward to address the Board of Education proposed budget. Mr. Torff commended the Board of Education for a fiscally responsible budget, but during these economic times he would like to the increase even lower. Mr. Torff also suggested that the closing of Wapping Elementary School would ultimately save taxes for the residents of South Windsor and also felt that the $76,000 being used to upgrade portable classrooms is an inefficient way to spends fund and should be used elsewhere.
Following comments from the audience, Mayor Pelkey asked for a Straw Vote, the results of which were as follows:
Those supporting the School Budget as submitted to the Town Council: - 2
Those in opposition to the School Budget as submitted to the Town Council: - 0
Those supporting to increase the School Budget: - 0
Those supporting to decrease the School Budget: - 0
The public hearing was closed at 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Deborah W. Reid, Clerk of the Council
Public Hearing Notice – Exhibit A
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