The 2011-2012 Budget

To the Editor:

The annual budget process always creates a difficult set of choices: how to provide for the needs of our community while not placing an undue burden on the taxpayers. This year in particular it is asking a great deal from our taxpayers for them to bear additional costs. That is why we, First Selectman Pat Llodra and Board of Education Chair Bill Hart, felt that it was imperative for the total Newtown leadership team to effectively work together to produce the best possible budget: one that strikes a balance between continuing the quality of our town and schools, recognizing the needs of the taxpayers, and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The collaborative process began with the development of “same services” budgets for the town and the school district, carefully identifying just those things that we must do to maintain our current service level. The town and district worked together on major expense items such as energy and health insurance to lock in the lowest possible costs. This same services paradigm then provided an excellent platform for the Board of Selectman and Board of Education to thoroughly scrutinize their respective budgets, resulting in a 2.25 percent increase for each.

After several weeks of additional close examination, both the Board of Finance and the Legislative Council recognized the results of the collaborative process by voting to pass the budgets on to the voters unmodified.

Unlike many municipalities across the country, Newtown is fortunate to have a history of good fiscal management, as evidenced by its excellent bond rating. This budget as passed by the Legislative Council continues that legacy of responsibility by eliminating the use of reserves, which was done over the past two years to dampen the shock of the economic downturn. The combination of the 2.25 percent budget increases and the elimination of the use of reserves results in this year’s proposed tax increase of 2.67 percent.

We believe that this budget strikes a good balance, allowing Newtown to maintain the excellent quality of its schools and town services, qualities that make Newtown the attractive place to live that it is. This balance was the product of some very hard work and respectful give and take by a large number of people throughout the town, the kind of respect and civility that we believe creates the atmosphere for effective government. We hope that every voter will share our passion for effective government and vote Yes on the budget referendum on April 26.

Pat Llodra

First Selectman

Bill Hart

Chairman, Board of Education

3 Primrose Street, Newtown                                         April 14, 2011