Marcia Chambers Photo
After praising the school board for producing one of the leanest budgets in memory, The Board of Finance (BOF) Monday night approved a combined school-town budget of $106M, which if not reduced further by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) will mean a mill rate of 27.42, up a half-mill over last year. The mill rate sets the tax rate for property owners.
The Board of Education’s (BOE) requested $54.2M operating budget was reduced by a miniscule $31,829. Each of the BOF members in their own way applauded the school’s budget and the work it took to keep the numbers low.
Charlie Shelton, a BOF member, observed that the school budget is 58 percent of the entire budget. This year, he said, was a “lean year. This is the smallest increase I have seen in years. It is at a 1.92 percent increase.” A $31,000 cut, he said, “you can manage.” Superintendent of Schools Hamlet Hernandez and Board of Education president Michael Krause smiled as he spoke.
Typically, the RTM does reduce the budget it receives from the BOF, which it may do at its annual budget meeting on Tuesday, May 10. However, it may not increase it. The RTM chairs of various committees attended the week-long BOF budget sessions, which ended Monday night.
BOF chair Joe Mooney announced the final result of the BOF cuts for both the operating and capital budgets for the school system and the town. At the outset Mooney set the town budget in context, saying the state of Connecticut is facing a serious financial deficit. He observed that “state revenues are not coming our way.” He said the town had to look at the larger picture. Town department heads “did not get everything they were looking for,” he said.
The revised budget is now down by $1 million. After the RTM acts, the BOF will make its final determination and set the mill rate in late May.
Marcia Chambers Photo
First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove, an ex-officio BOF member, praised the work of Finance Director Jim Finch and Kathryn LaBanca, assistant finance director, saying they worked above and beyond the call of duty in overseeing the budget process.
“We accomplished this by following a philosophy of preserving value on the grand list, promoting an environment that encourages responsible growth in Branford and restraining budget growth. I thank the Board of Finance for its work in vetting this budget and making program improved adjustments. I look forward to working with members of the RTM,” Cosgrove said.
There were more cuts on the town side than on the school side. The economic development commission, for example, sought funds for a new website and a shuttle bus to take passengers from the train station to Branford restaurants, especially on Jazz concert evenings. They did not get either. Both the animal shelter and Human Services departments, which occupy separate buildings, sought generators in case of emergency power failure from storms. They were turned down. But the pump station did get a new generator at its plant.
School and Library Finances
The BOF budget hearings for the 2016-201 fiscal year beginning July 1 were held last week. Thursday night was the final hearing with presentations from Adult Education, the James Blackstone Memorial Library, Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, School-Age Child Care, and the Board of Education.
Mooney said overall, the budgets for various town departments and agencies are up 4.2 percent in operating and capital expenditures. The Grand List is $3.91 million.
Board of Education
The Board of Education presented its budget Thursday night, which represents the largest portion of the town budget. The amount is $54,281,728, up a little under 2 percent from last year. The budget is detailed here.
Sally E. Bahner Photo
Hernandez (pictured left) explained that the budget reflects the changing needs of the school population. “There are fewer students, but greater needs.” He said that the school population fluctuates with 200 students enrolled or dis-enrolled after the first day of school. As of March 1, 3,060 students were enrolled, up overall by 13 students.
In terms of state testing, Hernandez said it’s in a “state of flux.” He said, “Students did very, very well… although the 11th grade did not do that great,” adding that there is a lot of over testing at that level. He said the Smarter Balance Assessment exams are being changed over to SATs.
In terms of students with greater needs, Hernandez said that the number of students in the free and reduced lunch program grew from 18 percent to 26 percent of the school population. The special needs population is up and the system is paying for fewer tuition students to attend other schools due to “better internal capacity… children should be educated within community they live in,” he said.
Regarding capital expenditures, Hernandez said technology was a big portion of the budget because there’s more and more data and the need for a greater connectivity network. He also discussed some of the repairs and upgrades needed for various schools.
Adult Education
Director Paul Dzialo explained that the budget for Adult Education is “self-balancing” fund at $100,000, which is the same as last year. He said that next year’s budget is expected to be large due to greater community outreach. Hernandez said there is a big ESL (English as a second language) community and that kids are learning English at the Family Resource Center. “It’s a collaborative effort,” he said.
Blackstone Library
Sally E. Bahner Photo
Karen Jensen, library director, (pictured center) presented a $1,317,986 budget, representing a 2.8 percent increase. She said that the materials budget was flat and a grant was received to pay for classes and equipment for the Maker Lab, which makes use of 3D printing equipment.
In terms of capital improvements, there was no mention of funds for the anticipated renovations, which include expanding the entrance on Cedar Street. However, she is requesting $120,000 for copper gutters, which are currently leaking into the auditorium, and repairs over the domed roof area; $40,000 for the work is being held over from last year.
Jensen said that the library relies on the Friends of Library to supplement the budget and for professional development.
Willoughby Wallace
Alice Pentz presented a budget of $228,765, which is up1.8 percent. She said there’s an increase in salaries and that the cost of materials is expected to remain the same; revenues are down due to the Post Office now handling more of the processing of passports. Many programs are supported by the Friends, she said.
School Age Child Care
The budget presented for School Age Child Care (Family Resource Center) is $595,750, which is 3.2 percent less than last year due to $20,000 brought forward. FRC Director Michelle Krumenacker is looking to offer a new “wrap-around” service that would expand child care before and after school. Hernandez said that kids could be placed at the Family Resource Center (Indian Neck School), the high school, or the school they attend, adding that the service could be a possible revenue stream. He said a community survey was conducted and parents requested the service.
###
