Voters, spread the word: budget meeting Monday

Winsted residents who are active in town affairs should be gearing up for the upcoming annual town budget meeting, scheduled for Monday, May 3, at 7 p.m. at The Gilbert School, and it would be a good idea to spread the word to increase involvement in the event. The ultimate goal should be to pass the budget on the first try.

The meeting should not be as contentious as in past years because the proposed town budget of $31,663,149, represents a modest .64-mill increase over the current year. With state and federal funding dwindling and towns facing increased operating costs, the proposed increase is perfectly acceptable and represents a negligible increase in taxes for individuals.

While the state of the school system is a continuing source of debate, more than $1.5 million has already been removed from the superintendent’s proposed 2010-11 school budget, which now stands at $21.3 million. With Winsted and other towns absorbing state funding cuts, the town’s Board of Selectmen has done a good job of reining in spending while attempting to preserve as many programs and services as it can.

Monday night’s budget meeting could see some radical attempts to cut the proposed budget, but parents of school-age children have been active this year in lobbying for adequate school funding and should be well-represented. No matter which side you’re on, the meeting serves as an educational example of citizen democracy, where everyone has a say. Parent groups are offering baby-sitting for those who need it, so anyone with free time should get over to The Gilbert School and participate.

With or without cuts, the budget will go to a townwide referendum later in the month, when residents will have their final say. The date for that vote will be set by voters Monday night. The budget meeting will be preceded by a regularly scheduled Board of Selectmen’s meeting at 6 p.m.