What’s Best For The Town

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of the current proposed town budget for the June 8 referendum vote. Beginning in January, I started to attend almost all of the BOE and major LC meetings in an effort to understand the process’s intricacies and to be able to know the facts. These are some of the facts I have learned:

1. Although this $200,000 will not completely close the shortfall/gap, it is a step in the right direction. This reinstatement of funds after a No vote is unprecedented!

2. The total increase of the budget is one-tenth of one percent higher than the last vote. Inconsequential in the grand scheme of the total 2.5 percent tax increase.

3. The total combined town and education budget is actually an increase of only about $500,000 (-$300,000 for the town and +$800,000 for education including the reinstated $200,000). Why a 2.5 percent increase? Because the total revenues collected this year are lower than anticipated and the way to make that up is through a tax increase. It’s not because the education budget is one percent higher.

4. The baseline of the 2010-2011 education budget is down vs the current year. Increases in costs are due to fixed costs (e.g., insurance). As I understand the facts, the 1+ percent increase does not reflect increases in base services other than those that are state mandated.

5. Currently, if one subtracts the savings realized over the past few months ($1,788,000), the BOE budget is theoretically down to about $67.7 million (meaning what they need/would like). But the budget going to vote is $67,194,734 (after the $200,000 reinstated funds) — a shortfall of about $511,000. Hence the shortfall/gap between what the education budget needs/wants to have and what is being voted on.

6. The shortfall means something(s) (programs? teachers? upkeep?) will still be cut/reduced.

7. I understand that many people are feeling a great deal of frustration with the process (I agree!). But let’s move away from the process and concentrate on what is best for the town and the children — approving this budget. We can then let the respective boards/officials work to make the best of the current situation and then continue to work together (central office through LC) on next year’s entire process starting, hopefully, in July. As a smart businessman I know said to me, “In all good deals both sides have to compromise” (I personally think we have now done just that).

In closing, I would like to point out one budget irony: On March 8, at the BOF meeting before the $2.5 million cut was passed, LC Representative Joseph Kearny made a motion to reduce the $2.5 million to $2.3 million. His motion was voted down. Isn’t it ironic that that amount is exactly where we have ended up? A $2.3 million proposed total cut. Ironic. Or is it a coincidence?

Vote Yes!

Regards,

Kinga Walsh

21 Horseshoe Ridge Road, Sandy Hook                          June 2, 2010