Budget Myths Of Newtown

To the Editor:

I will start by eliminating some myths that permeated  last year’s budget jousting:

— The majority of Newtown Taxpayers are not living in $500,000 houses.

— The majority of Newtown Taxpayers are not driving premium priced SUVs.

— The School Board has not been “nickel and dimed” by Newtown taxpayers over the years.

Let’s move on to a reality check regarding current events:

— The stock market has been bludgeoned for the past 15 months

— The economy has slowed dramatically

— Layoffs are increasing

For Newtown tax issues, this economic uncertainty is further confused by the reduced growth rate in the Newtown Grand List. Last year saw the lowest level of new home construction since 1991!

There is a huge “caution” message here for the Legislative Council and the Selectmen.

A 2.6 mill rate increase – an 8.8 percent budget increase – a $750 tax increase per household – has serious ramifications and cost implications for the vast majority of taxpayers. Most working people are getting by on a pre-tax pay increase of 5 percent or less; people on fixed incomes are getting much less.

What is the median household property in Newtown?

What is the median residential property value?

Town leaders should know the answers to these questions so they understand the impact across the broad spectrum of taxpayers – not just the vocal spectrum interest groups.

What to do?

The Legislative Council and the Selectmen need to bring this year’s budget requests into the light of reality. The budget should not exceed a maximum 1.5 mill rate increase:

— The disposition of Fairfield Hills needs to be resolved first. The state won’t wait forever for Newtown to make its decision.

— Class size relief for the 5/6 school can be addressed with modular additions to existing schools and adding a few teachers. This would provide a cost effective short-term remedy until Fairfield Hills costs are resolved and we see school enrollment trends relative to future housing construction.

A final word for school board members who were “miffed” at being given a pre-determined budget target by the Legislative Council – countries, governing bodies, companies and personal households all have one thing in common – they run on a realistic appraisal of resources available to satisfy wish lists.

Sincerely,

Dennis Daugherty

23 Pocono Road, Newtown                                February 28, 2001