Vavrek Reduces Budget by $120K for Second Vote

After a surprisingly low turnout in the first budget referendum on April 1, First Selectman Steve Vavrek released the second 2014-15 budget proposal on Wednesday with a reduction of $120,137.

The new proposal — scheduled for referendum on April 22 — reduced the municipal budget by $45,137 and the education request by $75,000.

“Many have told me it was a great budget, put it back out and get more people to vote. Others have told me, ‘Make them pay for not voting’ cut services and hours of the library, parks, pool and the Senior Center. Some have told me cut education. Some have told me cut roads, public safety and building maintenance,” Vavrek said in a release Wednesday. “As much as I feel that the budget as presented on April 1 is the best budget to keep us current with the plethora of unfunded State and Federal mandates, more people voted no than voted yes and adjustments must be made.”

The municipal cuts deferred equipment purchases for emergency services that were not immediately necessary. The $75,000 cut to education was decided after consultation with Superintendent Jim Agostine, Vavrek said.

The $82 million budget is a 2.58 percent increase in spending over last year — down from 2.73 percent in the first proposal — and a 2.2 percent increase to the mill rate — down from 2.39 percent.

Download a copy of the new budget proposal and Vavrek’s letter above.