CORNWALL — A sharp increase in Cornwall’s Region One assessment dominated budget discussions as the town prepared its spending proposal for 2023-24 at a special online meeting of the Board of Selectmen Tuesday, Jan. 31.
Cornwall’s population at Housatonic Valley Regional High School is expected to increase from 25 to 35 students next year, which will increase the town’s annual tuition payments by $450,000.
First Selectman Gordon Ridgway said he has been working with town officials to cut costs in an effort to minimize tax increases for residents.
“We’ve reduced our overall spending by $15,000 and made cuts to our capital spending for a combined decrease of about $70,000,” said Ridgway as he reviewed the proposal. “Even with those decreases, we’re still looking at this point at a 5.7% increase in the mill rate.”
While the assessment increase has overwhelmed this process, other increases have had an impact as well such as a 3% salary increase for town employees and a rise in insurance rates by about 8%. The selectmen have also looked to the state as a source of potential savings.
Ridgway has spoken with State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) about increasing state assistance in regard to education.
“Our entire education grant is $13,000, which is a very low number per capita,” said Ridgway. “Our representatives are working to increase that amount.”
Selectman Janet Carlson found a silver lining in the situation.
“Our increase in costs are from sending more kids to the high school,” said Carlson. “Our schools are fantastic and it’s good to see that we do have those young people.”
Cornwall’s spending proposal will be presented to the Board of Finance at a special meeting on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.
