A Better Budget Explanation

Is Needed

To the Editor:

After attending the sparsely attended public hearing on the budget, it became apparent that the townspeople were being told in no uncertain terms that if we didn’t pass the budget on the first go-round that a credit upgrade of our bonds was imperiled. However, no one was able or willing to explain how a ten percent increase (after modification) in the town selectman’s budget after a sizable increase in the prior year’s expenditures was justified, except that each individual increase in the budget appeared to be justified by mandates such as increased debt service.

Upon further examination I believe I understand what is happening.  It seems that we authorize capital spending plans based on a five-year plan but we approve annual budgets.

It would seem more meaningful if our elected officials provide the voting public with a projected five-year annual budget so that we could better understand the impact that the five-year capital plan will have on future tax rate growth.

A better educated public could then have a more meaningful vote on the annual budget.  The rating agencies should appreciate our more educated electorate.

Gary Tannenbaum

Pond Brook Road, Newtown                                              April 3, 2007