Sharon sets mill rate at 11.15

SHARON — Board of Finance members grappled with how much to raise the mill rate following Friday’s annual town budget meeting. While realizing the need for some increase due to the level of expenditures known to be on the horizon, some were concerned about taxing residents who are already struggling to pay their bills.

The town vote took six minutes, with no comments made on any the agenda items. Moderator Dale Jones, noting the speed of the session, quipped, “Anyone running a stop watch?”

Residents approved a general government budget of $5,148,443, an increase of 3.56%, and an education spending plan of $6,065,001, which is the same as this current year.

The voters also gave the nod to expending Local Capital Improvement Program funds, the proposed five-year capital plan and appropriating $103,906 from the school board’s portion of the non-recurring account for the paving project at Sharon Center School.

Following the vote, the Board of Finance convened to set the mill rate. Chairman Tom Bartram asked each member to give their opinion as to what the number should be. The current number is 10.55.

John Hecht began by suggesting the town secure a significant line of credit for capital expenditures, rather than a steep rise in the mill rate.

The selectmen have compiled a list of 15 projects in the five-year capital plan that range in cost from $3 million down to $20,000. First Selectman Casey Flanagan said the numbers are ballpark figures. “I don’t know for sure, but we’re getting closer. I can’t say what we’ll be getting in grants.”

Alternate Christine Clare agreed with Hecht saying, “The perception of raising taxes too much is unfair to taxpayers. People are struggling.” She favored going to 11.05, which would be a little less than a 5% increase. “If we go higher, we won’t see it,” she said. When questioned what she meant by that, she responded that some people just won’t be able to pay.

But member Carol Flaton said she had concerns about the future. “If we don’t slowly catch up on projects, we’re going to have large tax increases in the following year.” She put out the number 11.4.

Member Michele Pastre didn’t want to raise the rate too much “given the situation people are in now.” Member Jessica Fowler favored something around 11.15, saying she didn’t think townspeople could absorb 11.4. Bartram suggested 11.05.

“A line of credit gives us a buffer till we get our arms around it,” said Hecht. “We don’t have to pay until we use it. This is a place holder. There’s no right or wrong. This is a complex issue.”

Flanagan then addressed the group, saying he was looking at this as both a taxpayer and the superintendent of roads. “I’m looking at what’s in front of us. I’m embarrassed we have one road (River Road) that’s been reduced to one lane for two years. You all need to know it’s critical. If we temporarily fix that road, we’re looking at half a million dollars. To replace it is $1.5 to $2 million now for well into the future. What Carol says resonates with me. I realize people are struggling, but I need to be sure the roads are safe and passable.”

Selectman Lynn Kearcher said she knows a lot of people who can’t pay their car, home or food bills. “We have to look out for these people. They are hurting.”

In the end, members approved setting the rate at 11.15, taking $758,055 from undesignated funds to balance the budget.

To view each of Sharon’s budget documents, visit the town website at www.sharonct.gov/board-finance