ANSONIA – The public should have a clearer idea later this week about how the city plans to bolster its proposed budget after an influx of state aid.

Finance officials are scheduled to hold two presentations on the city’s budget proposal this week – on May 12 and May 14.

The May 12 presentation is scheduled as part of the Board of Aldermen’s regular monthly meeting, at 7 p.m. in city hall (253 Main St). 

The May 14 presentation is scheduled as a separate public meeting at the senior center (65 Main St).

Ansonia Mayor Frank Tyszka said Monday (May 11) the May 12 presentation will give a general overview of the budget, with the May 14 presentation getting into specifics.

Ansonia To Receive $3.25 Million Cash Infusion From State

Officials said the state budget bill passed May 6 will give Ansonia schools an additional $939,494, with another $279,502 booked for town aid.

Additionally, Ansonia will receive $3,250,000 in one-time “Ansonia Rescue Funds,” according to a social media post from state Rep. Kara Rochelle.

Tyszka’s current $68.1 million budget proposal contains a mill rate increase of 2.27 mills, from 28.55 mills to 30.82. Tyszka said in a phone call May 11 that he may use some state money to mitigate the mill rate increase.

However, he said an increase is still needed due to budget decisions made under former Mayor David Cassetti’s administration. Tyszka said the finalized budget proposal will still require voter approval at referendum.

“I have to raise the mill rate to balance the budget, so I’m going to raise it less based on the $3.25 million. We overspent for the last two years,” Tyszka said.

The $3.25 million “rescue money” could help the city pay for a fuel cell deal that was inked by Mayor David Cassett’s administration but never got off the ground. 

Nevertheless, the city is on the hook for $63.6 million in principal and interest payments, according to the city’s contract with Johnson Controls International. Click here to learn more.

Tyszka’s administration is trying to salvage the deal, according to past statements from Rochelle and Tyszka. The state budget bill also contains language regarding Ansonia’s fuel cell deal, which Rochelle said is designed to help the project move forward.