Opinion: Is Bethel's Proposed Budget TRULY Conservative?

Written by Cynthia McCorkindale

I was fascinated by Bethel First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker’s recent characterization in the NewsTimes of this season’s proposed budget as “conservative.” As a conservative, I define a “conservative” budget as one that demonstrates a 0% increase in spending and 0% new hiring. The proposed budget going to referendum next week is not a “conservative” budget. It is a budget that contains a 1.7 % increase in combined Board of Education and Town spending!

Having just experienced my first budget season as a newly-elected member of the Bethel Board of Finance, it became quickly obvious to me that there would be a steep learning curve. There was a huge amount of data to absorb and I made the best decisions I could based on the information that was provided. It was hard work.

As a taxpayer watchdog for many years, I have fought hard against unnecessary tax increases and unrestrained spending. As a Town official, I believe we need to be focusing on all possible cost-saving opportunities, economy of scale, and growing our grand list. We need to get friendly with the idea of living within our means, and not count on extracting more dollars out of already strapped taxpayers year after year.

I have concerns. Although I participated in the creation of this budget, it did come as a surprise to me to find out only at the Town Meeting that we had signed off on the hiring of six new employees!

Then there is the capital project proposal for the highway garage CO filtration proposal at $250,000 that, in my opinion, requires much more research and consideration. There is just not enough documentation of fact or requirement and I cannot support it at referendum.

As always, Bethel taxpayers, beware!

Cynthia J. McCorkindale