Politics & Government
Budget's Next Step April 26 Referendum
Small crowd very supportive in general at public hearing.
Town Manager Denise McNair and Board of Education President Gary Brochu presented a budget of $70.3 million to the approximately 30 people who attended a public hearing Tuesday night. Berlin residents had few comments about the town’s proposed budget.
The FY2012 budget proposes an increase of $2.5 million over last year, an amount that is minimal, stressed Budget Committee Chair Bob Dacey.
McNair said, “This budget maintains existing services. We’re really not going above and beyond.”
Budgeted expenditures include a new roof for McGee Middle School, an incentive program for volunteer firefighters, and a new computer specialist staff member for the police department. Berlin trimmed expenses in part by negotiating wage freezes with local unions and cutting positions at the Timberlin golf course.
Berlin was also able to keep the budget increase down by applying for grants and reimbursements from the federal and state governments, including for school costs such as teacher salaries and tuition for students who attend schools outside of Berlin for medical reasons.
The Board of Education requested a $1.2 million increase over last year, but the Council approved $889,000. Brochu was concerned with the Town Council’s cuts to the proposal.
“We don’t have any control over the drivers of our budget increase, the total cost of which are $821,509,” Brochu said. “That only leaves us $65,000 to cover everything else.”
Citizens seemed happy with the lean budget. Several audience members stood up to thank the budget committee members.
“I for one appreciate the mill rate increase of less than 1 percent. Great job everyone,” said resident Stephen Anderson.
Mayor Salina also answered questions about spreading capital expenditures across several years and renewing bonds for upcoming road work, including a $6 million bond expected to be approved at next Tuesday’s Town Council meeting.
The budget will receive final approval from the Town Council at a meeting on Thursday before heading out to referendum on April 26. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
