No Tax Rate Increase Proposed In Shelton

Promising no layoffs or furloughs for city employees, Mayor Mark A. Lauretti unveiled a $110.09 million budget proposal for 2010-11 Monday night that keeps the tax rate level. 

If approved, that means residents would pay the same property taxes they paid last year. 

“We all must learn to do more with less, as is reflected in next year’s budget proposal I present to you tonight,” Lauretti said as he addressed the Board of Aldermen and the Board of Apportionment and Taxation at City Hall. 

“Next year’s spending levels are held to those of this year,” Lauretti said. ​“It will allow Shelton to hold the line on taxes much needed for our residents and business owners. Their economic survival is my priority.”

The proposal represents a slight decrease in spending from the current year — about $228,000 less. 

The city’s grand list grew about 1 percent last year, so the budget proposal anticipates more money brought in from taxes. But, Lauretti said, it’s not clear in a tough economy if the tax collection will continue at its same rate. (Continued below photo) 

Photo: Jodie MozdzerShelton, like many other cities, is also anticipating less state revenue and fewer fees from building permits.

“Caution and uncertainty is the theme,” Lauretti said. 

Education

The proposal includes a small increase for the Board of Education — about $95,000 — nowhere near the increase that board had requested. 

The Board of Education in December proposed a $66.5 million budget, which is an increase of $3.5 million or 5.6 percent over current spending. 

Lauretti’s proposal allocates only $63.1 million, which is less than a 1 percent increase. 

“I don’t know anybody who wants to see taxes go up, expect people in education,” Lauretti said after the presentation. 

Lauretti said education officials ask for increases saying it’s for the kids, but then continue to give employees raises. 

“It’s not about the kids anymore,” Lauretti said. 

The Board of Education has said that even the proposed increase would still likely mean program cuts.

Other Departments

While spending was held essentially flat, there were some changes to individual department budgets. 

For example, the economic development department budget was increased in the proposal by $23,000, or about 54.5 percent. 

The fire department received $10,000 (or about 1.3 percent) more and the police department received $146,000 (or about 2 percent) more in the proposal.

Meanwhile, the EMS Commission budget decreased by about $39,800 — or 25 percent. And the purchasing department saw a $41,648, or 11.7 percent, decrease. Specifically, the proposal leaves less money for equipment purchases, postage, office supplies and stationary. 

The City Clerk’s office also received less money — about a $16,000, or 3.7 percent, decrease. 

Reaction

The budget was handed out for the first time Monday night. 

Alderman John ​“Jack” Finn, the lone Democrat on the board, said he wanted time to digest the document before commenting. 

But, Finn said, he agreed with the notion of keeping taxes level. 

“I’m pleased that in a recession they’re holding the line on taxes,” Finn said. 

Finn said he thought there might still be room to cut from some departments that give money back each year. 

Board of Aldermen President John Anglace said he was pleased that the budget priorities stuck with helping taxpayers. 

“Tough times dictate tough decisions,” Anglace said. 

Next Steps

The Board of Apportionment and Taxation will hold a workshop on the budget on March 1, and then will begin meeting with department heads to discuss each line item in the budget. 

The Board of Apportionment and Taxation will then present its budget — which may be revised from the proposal given by the mayor — to the Board of Aldermen in late March. 

The Board of Aldermen then has public hearings and finalizes the budget. 

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