The Council Heard The Voters

To the Editor:

On May 6, 2003, the voters of Newtown will return to the polls to vote once again on next year’s budget. I urge the voters to vote Yes.

The Legislative Council heard loud and clear the results of the April 22 budget referendum. After its resounding defeat, we voted unanimously to trim $1 million from the proposed budget. Those cuts consisted of a $775,000 reduction in the proposed education budget, a $200,000 reduction in open space funding, and the elimination of $25,000 earmarked for skateboard park equipment.

We have been told by the Board of Education that the proposed $775,000 reduction, coupled with the $400,000 reduction adopted by the Board of Finance, will hurt. We have no doubt that it will. Nevertheless, the council clearly recognized the mandate to reduce spending so clearly given on April 22 and acted accordingly. I believe the council acted responsibly in responding to the wishes of the voters.

The budget that the voters of Newtown now have before them includes an increase in spending of 3.19 percent. This is a very reasonable figure given the growth in our town, given the growth in our school population, and given our infrastructure needs, especially Fairfield Hills.

Despite this relatively modest spending increase, the budget as presented will require a 5.9 percent increase in taxation due largely to the loss of revenue from the State of Connecticut. Almost 50 percent of the proposed tax increase in Newtown this year is the result of reduced state aid. We can do little about this except to increase our local taxes to compensate for the loss. The council is also painfully aware of the fact that state-mandated revaluation will result in a higher tax increase than outlined above for many taxpayers.

There is a silver lining to this year’s budget gloom. As a result of our budget deliberations, the Legislative Council, along with the selectmen and the Board of Finance, has agreed to pursue a review of our open space acquisition policy with an eye to proposing a significant increase in open space funding. Such a move should have a significant impact on future growth in Newtown and help to control future tax increases. I would also hope that the council will give attention in the months ahead to a significant increase in tax relief for our older and needier citizens.

I urge the voters of Newtown to support the budget as proposed by the Legislative Council. Please vote on May 6 at the Middle School and please vote Yes.

Sincerely,

Donald T. Studley, Chairman

Newtown Legislative Council

49 Hundred Acres Road, Newtown                             April 28, 2003