RECEIVED MARCH 23, 2010 @ 8:30 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
REDDING BOARD OF FINANCE
PUBLIC HEARING ON 2010-201 BUDGET
MARCH 4, 2010
Present:
Board of Finance: Alvarez, DeSalvo, Dolan, Mazzucco, Guffey
Board of Selectmen: Ketcham, Takacs, Pemberton
Town administrators: Gniadek, O’Donnell, Grande, Moisio
Redding Board of Education: Gaspar, Barickman, Brey, Joyce-Kirk, Lewson, Goldberg, Miller
Region #9 Board of Education: Lewis, Hocker, Gombos
School administration: Sullivan, Mas, Farrell, Freeston, Martin, Wallin, Pierson Ugol, Wessman Huber
Media: a representative of the Redding Pilot
Others: more than 100 members of the public
Mr. Alvarez called the Public Hearing to order at 7:35 in the Community Room of the John Read Middle School.
Presentation: Town budget, First Selectman, Natalie Ketcham, provided information on the Town’s proposed operating budget. The increase over the current year’s operating budget is zero. She outlined the numerous savings initiatives undertaken to bring the budget in at a zero % increase. Mrs. Ketcham also reported on savings in the current year budget and anticipated end of year balance of approximately $300,000.
Mrs. Ketcham indicated that if the budget is approved, with the current Redding Board of Education budget at 3.5% and Redding’s portion of the Region #9 budget at 2.4% (Redding’s share of the proposed budget of 4.01%), the total increase would be 1.96% or would represent about $200 additional taxes for the average-price home in Redding of $538,000.
Presentation: Redding Board of Education Chairman, Jess Gaspar, presented an overview of the operating budget for the Redding schools. The proposed increase over last year is 3.5%. Dr. Gaspar reviewed the increases and decreases in the budget and the impact on the schools and children. A declining enrollment provided decreases primarily at Redding Elementary School.
Presentation: Region #9 Board of Education Chairman, Mark Lewis, reported that work on the budget had just begun. The board’s starting point is an increase of 4.01%. The board will begin budget discussions at a meeting on March 8, 2010. He anticipates that some adjustment will be made to the budget. Redding’s portion of the budget decreases this year due to a shifting of enrollment and would be 2.4% of the 4.01% proposed budget increase.
Board of Finance member comments
Mr. Guffey asked the Board of Education why the increases in health insurance were so high and questioned the amount of ECS reimbursement estimated. Dr. Gaspar responded that the health insurance account claims were high in this current year and, the recommendation is to budget accordingly. The State Department of Education has advised that the ECS re-imbursement rate for next year will be 60%.
Public Comments
Frank Scott, Umpawaug Road: Mr. Scott, a member of NABR (Nonpartisan Action for a Better Redding), presented petitions, signed by over 400 residents, asking for budget reductions for the coming year.
James Miller, Middlebrook Pond Road: asked the Redding Board of Education if the vote on the budget was a unanimous one. Dr. Gaspar responded that the vote was not unanimous. Some members of the board felt the budget was either too high or too low, or would have reconfigured the budget. In spite of the vote, all members were present and in unanimous support for the budget being presented.
Jeff Fligelman, Pocahontas Road: Mr. Fligelman read his statement in support of the education budget, responded to some of the recommendations of NABR, and asked the town to support education in Redding.
Lewis Andrews, High Ridge Road: Mr. Andrews, a representative of NABR, disputed Dr. Gaspar’s reference to classroom size and money spent as it relates to quality education, and asked what initiatives were taken to reduce the size of the education budget. He also asked if the board of education had taken or would take regarding contract negotiations with the teaching staff. Dr. Gaspar and Mr. Goldberg responded that the board has discussed negotiations but these matters are discussed in executive session and they would not discuss strategy openly. Mr. Goldberg noted that the State of Connecticut has a process for contract negotiations that includes mandatory arbitration.
Phil Gagliano, Dorethy Road: questions regarding the job description & salary levels of the custodial staff & lead custodian.
Gwen Denney, Wayside Lane: comments and support for education, and added that further reductions in the education budget would impact the quality of education and potentially the value of homes and properties.
Lucy Cushman, W. Woodland Drive: thanked Mrs. Ketcham and the town department heads for coming in with a zero increase budget.
Rose (name unclear), Sunset Hill Road: agreed with most of what Mr. Fligelman & others said, & thanked NABR for their work.
Mary Ellen Lake, Black Rock Turnpike: thanked the Selectmen and Board of Education, but could not support the budget as presented because the education budget is too low. She urged that the program reductions be eliminated and that the Board of Education offer a budget with no reductions especially in art, music and physical education, retains good teachers and offers professional development. Dr. Gaspar responded that the reductions in art, music and physical education are enrollment driven.
Linda Mitchell: Mrs. Mitchell commented that she move to Redding recently because of the school system and she offered her support for the education budget.
Peggy Southard, Hopewell Woods Rd: commented on the importance of education in Redding & on property values.
Alice Smith, Umpawaug Road: offered support for the schools in Redding.
Conclusion: Mr. Alvarez thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. The Board of Finance will meet on March 22, 2009 to discuss the budget further. In addition, he stressed the importance of a high voter turnout.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move that the Public Hearing be adjourned. DeSalvo, Mazzucco. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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