A note from First Selectman Heller regarding this year’s budget process:
Last May there were many residents at the Annual Town Meeting, at which we set our budget. Many voters at the meeting were unaware that there were several opportunities prior to that evening when they could have voiced their concerns, opinions and questions about the budget.
Residents have a voice throughout the process, and I continue to encourage EVERYONE to participate in the budget process now!
Our grand list remains stagnant and without more growth -- either new housing, more businesses, and commercial buildings, or both -- the tax burden on residents will continue to increase or we will have to reduce services or make cuts to education. That's why I've asked the ad hoc 2030 Task Force to look into ways to increase our grand list by 2030. In the interim I anticipate we will be making difficult choices regarding our budget.
Boards and commissions will discuss their operating budget proposals in November and/or December. Residents are welcome and encouraged to attend any board and commission meeting. Meeting schedules are posted on the Town calendar and agendas are posted at least 24 hours in advance.
On Thursday December 2 the Boards of Selectmen and Finance will have a joint meeting regarding capital budget presentations. They meet again for part two of the capital budget presentations on Tuesday December 7. The Boards meet jointly again on January 25, January 27, February 1 and, if needed, February 3 to hear operating budget presentations.
On February 22 the Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss their budget recommendations to the Board of Finance. On March 3, 2022 the Board of Finance will decide on recommendations for the Preliminary Budget Hearing. The Preliminary Budget Hearing is Monday April 18, and the Annual Town Meeting is Monday May 16.