Legislative Reports: State Senator Ed Meyers described the state budget situation as dire with an $8 billion shortfall projected for 2010. Governor Rell proposed a 10% cut across the board while Ed would prefer first setting funding priorities before cuts are made. Representative Deborah Heinrich described her disappointment with the House Democratic Caucus' hiring of former Speaker James Amann and her role in opposition to those actions, which resulted in a reversal of the unethical actions. At a recent meeting of the CT Conference of Municipalities, Deborah was named as the 2008 Legislator of the Year! First Selectman’s Report: Carl Balestracci stated that after great efforts by Department heads, Town budget cuts and/or deferrals amount to $258,000 this year. Initial requests for the 2009-2010 budget year are at the lowest percent increase in recent years. Further cuts may be made at upcoming workshops before the Town budget is referred to the Board of Finance. Carl praised the work of Gary MacElhiney, Chairman of the Land Acquisition Commission and members of the PACT who are actively promoting purchase of the 600 acre Goss property by the Town. Carl urged DTC members to vote "yes" at the referendum on Tuesday January 27 (Note: The referendum has passed by a 2645 to 486 vote) Carl praised the work of HR Director Mitch Goldblatt in reorganizing the administrative staff and has greatly improved morale. He also pointed out that the work of Purchasing Agent, Pam Millman successfully negotiated a new contract with the electric company. It will save the Town $41,000 this coming year, and a total of $343,000 in the next five-year period. Carl was urged to publicize this success. At a recent meeting of the South Central Council of Governments, Carl was elected President for the coming year. Board of Finance Report: Chairman Matt Hoey stated that Board of Education budget recommendation for 2009-2010 came in at only a 3.7% increase. Matt also announced that members of the Board of Selectmen had all agreed to forego their salary increase for the coming year. It was also noted that the Pension Fund has only suffered a 13% decrease. The projected tax increase for the coming year is as yet undetermined. |
