NORTH CANAAN —Following brief discussion at their second budget workshop on Wednesday, April 21, the Board of Finance acted unanimously to send both the Board of Education and the Board of Selectmen’s proposed budgets for 2021-22 to the annual public hearing that they scheduled for Wednesday, May 19.
Conducting the meeting by Zoom, the finance board decided to suggest no changes to the budgets until they hear public comments at the hearing. The time, place and manner of the public hearing (whether by Zoom, in-person, or both) will be determined in coming weeks.
Discussion focused in part on the impending rise in the Region One School District assessment to the town, estimated at $400,461. The annual assessment is based on the number of students the town sends to the regional high school and the proportion of that number to the overall student population of the school.
Under consideration by the finance board is the possible allocation of $228,000 from the general fund to help to keep the mill rate steady at its current level of 28.25.
Discussion covered a few options, whether it is advisable to see a rise in the mill rate, and whether borrowing from the general fund all at once or some this year and some next would be viable actions.
Treasurer Emily Minacci commented that if the town borrows from the general fund for this coming year, the town may not be able to borrow again next year, recommending that regulations that prescribe general fund balances for towns be consulted.
Apart from the Region One increase, the Board of Education proposed budget totals $4,411,561 for the elementary school, holding steady over the current year’s levels, and even showing savings of 0.18% ($7,913). But with the increase of 9.17% in the Region One assessment, the budget proposal increases by 4.47%.
The selectmen’s proposed budget for town services shows a total of $2,855,504, an increase of $108,487 over the current year’s total of $2,747.017.
A large majority of town spending was held steady from the previous year’s budget.
An increase in residential trash disposal fees is anticipated. The AHA! child-care program contribution was halved to $2,500, with the Canaan Child Care Center given the other half. An allocation for the annual Railroad Days event was also halved to $5,000 for the year.
The proposed budgets will be posted on the town’s website (www.northcanaan.org) in advance of the public hearing.
Classic styles, bold colors, and creative concerts make up the “Imaginary Concerts” line at Peggy Mercury.Provided
Shirts from Peggy Mercury’s first fashion line, “Imaginary Concerts,” hang on display.Provided
