Local officials who have been waiting for newly elected Governor Ned Lamont’s first budget proposal are drilling into the massive document because, as the saying goes, “the devil is in the details.”

On first pass, it looks like Newtown residents will share the pain with neighbors from around the corner and across the state when it comes to shelling out more in sales tax on previously exempt things like dry cleaning and newspapers. They are likely facing higher costs because of new taxes proposed on things like sugary drinks, e-cigarettes and vaping supplies, Netflix subscriptions, online shopping orders, and a 10-cent surcharge on every plastic shopping bag shoppers take home from the market.

Newtown Superintendent of Schools Lorrie Rodrigue said she and other district leaders are just beginning to pour through the governor’s budget proposal.

“While it will take some time to fully review Governor Lamont’s budget proposal with any level of integrity, the [Education Cost Sharing] formula he outlined to provide support to underfunded districts is something that has been at the forefront of much discussion and debate,” Dr Rodrigue said. “Rising costs are an issue for many districts, especially with increased spending in programming and special education.”

She added that state support is a critical means of ensuring Newtown students have the best possible care.

“However, we will need to examine the details of this proposal and the ways this plan might help to serve Newtown Public Schools and its families in the future,” Dr Rodrigue said.

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal said at press time, he was still digesting Governor Lamont’s budget proposal as well. But based on his “cursory review,” the first selectman said he appreciates “the difficult fiscal circumstances the Governor has to navigate, and I understand the need for sacrifices to put our state back on track.

“That being said, at first pass, there appears to be more of a reliance on revenue generation via taxation than on outright spending reductions,” Mr Rosenthal observed. “Consistent with my goal for Newtown, I agree with the Governor’s goal of reducing our reliance on debt. I also like the proposed restoration of the Property Tax Credit, as that should be a positive for our residents.”

While reductions in Newtown’s total state aid are roughly consistent with the guidance municipal leaders received from the prior administration (approximately $250k in 2020 and $660k in 2021), Mr Rosenthal said he is concerned that most of these reductions come in the form of a “bill.”

“Newtown will be required to pick up a share of the Teachers Retirement System pension obligation,” he said. “Of course, I am in favor of teachers receiving the pensions they have been promised, so my concern is in no way directed at the beneficiaries.”

In the first selectman’s view, “the problem is that Newtown will be contributing into a system it has no control over and what may be a 25 percent share of ‘normal cost’ today could very easily become a much larger share tomorrow. What guarantees will the town receive as to the management of the pension assets, and will the state continue to fund its share?

“With all due respect to the new Governor and State Legislature, this kind of a structural shift has implications that will extend far beyond the best intentions of present leadership,” Mr Rosenthal concluded. “I am afraid this represents a slippery slope for Newtown taxpayers.”

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