Budget Workshop March 7, 2014 My Comments

Budget Workshop March 7, 2014

This budget does not reflect the need to reduce the Mill Rate. We cannot have economic development with the highest taxes in the Valley. I would suggest that there are many changes that could be made to reduce spending.

The cost of renovations from the restaurant should be paid by the owner of the restaurant.

A $2,500 video can be eliminated and asked  for donations for a video.

Economic development has not shown any ability to increase the Grand List and all expenditures should be eliminated. We have supported study after study and with nothing to show for it. No money other than a secretary,  should b e allocated for economic development. If needed, it should be a case by case expenditure.

The $25,000 for a Performing Arts Master Plan should be paid for by the Performing Arts Non-Profit since they are a separate entity from the town.

The $25,000 for the revisions to the Zoning Regulations should be done by staff in the Planning Department and the web-site construction for $8,000 should be eliminated since the town web site is sufficient.

All support for Main Street partnership ( $50,000) should be eliminated since they are a non-profit organization not affiliated with the town.

Funding for conferences should be on a case by case expenditure and not in the Planning budget.

The police department needs a part-time records clerk and this could be paid for with the money allocated for the Main Street Partnership. With the Marijuana factory coming online, the increase of housing, concerts and  the increase in gathering permits where organizations require the police,  there will be a need for more police.

The library still has many water leaks in the building and the ceiling in the stairwell at the back of town hall has a large area of mold from leaks. The Police Department has sewer smells from the drains and requires 1 gallon of water flushed in each drain every month to eliminate the smell. Maintenance should be a priority in this budget.

Most of the stamp budget can be reduced by using electronic payments.

Recently there was an article in a magazine that compared the mill rate in various towns. West Harford 36.30, Granby 34.83, Glastonbury 35.10, Canton 26.91,Avon 26.32, Farmington 24.07, Simsbury 38.51.

The estimated property tax for a $300,000 home in West Hartford is $10, 890,Granby $10,449, Glastonbury $10,530, Canton, $8,073, Avon $7,896, Farmington $7,221, Simsbury tops the list with $11,553. Until we become competitive with the surrounding towns there will not be any economic development and fewer people will buying homes in Simsbury and companies will not elect to come to Simsbury.

This budget can be reduced when the priorities for expenditures are based on need not greed.