2 referendum issues Tuesday — Both need your support

There are 2 issues the town will be voting on Tuesday May 21 — our annual budget and funding for a WPCA sewer project. I'm urging all to support passage of both. Regardless of how we got here, the budget that the BOF has approved for referendum needs to be supported by the town and passed (both the municipal and education sides). The First Selectman has often said that the first budget is the best budget, and a rejection of the budget will most likely result in reduced services. I am mindful that any proposed tax increase is a burden. But I also know that the town and school budgets are lean, focused on providing services, and the result of continued attention to cost control, contract improvement, addressing long-term issues, more. The WPCA sewer project also needs widespread support. While this is a $2.5 million project, remember that this — like all sewer projects — would be paid for by end users through a benefit assessment. The town is facilitating the loan in order to get better interest rates which would lower the end user assessments. So while this is a separate vote, please note that it is independent of our town's budget — no municipal tax funds are involved. There will be time later on to discuss other issues. For now, let's pass the budget (both sides) and pass the WPCA project. I urge all to come to the polls on Tuesday and vote yes three times.