The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper.
Open Letter to the Boards of Selectmen, Finance and Education
As many people already know Governor Lamont has issued numerous Executive Orders. One of them EO 7I authorizes the towns and the regional boards of education to adopt budgets without holding hearings, votes and the usual in-person requirements. The people with whom I have spoken would prefer that the Boards of Selectmen, Finance and RSD #17 will vote to operate in the coming fiscal year using the budget from FY 2019-20 and not use the authority granted them by the Governor to pass budgets without the normal hearings and votes.
In that way our residents will not be facing increased tax bills in July at a time when many are not receiving a regular paycheck. Because the winter has been mild and snow and ice removal have been minimal this year the town may have run a surplus this year. Likewise with schools having been closed hopefully there would be some unused funds in that budget as well. Once it is safe to have hearings, town meetings and referendums as usual we should carefully examine the needs of the town and the regional district. If there are increases in spending which must be authorized, hopefully these boards can utilize unspent funds from FY 2019-20 to meet the needs of FY2020-21 without requiring a supplemental tax bill later this year. In the meantime we should make do with what we have.
Ed Munster
Haddam, CT
Note: Ed Munster is President of the Haddam Civic League, the parent company of Haddam-KillingworthNow.com.
I agree!
My first thought, as many have I’m sure, was to agree with Mr. Munster.
As time went by I now believe the Haddam could and should reduce spending dramatically and make a meaningful reduction in taxes this coming year.
It can be done!