Mansfield Voters To Consider $51.6M Budget At Town Meeting This Month

MANSFIELD, CT - A town meeting to consider the $51.6 million budget proposal for the 2016-17 fiscal year is scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, at 7 p.m. in the Mansfield Middle School Auditorium.

The Town Council on April 27 voted to adopt a general fund bottom line of $51,623,910. That includes the Region 19 contribution of $10,493,480, a capital fund budget of $4,597,170, and a capital non-recurring fund budget of $3,042,600.

Town Manager Matthew Hart said if state revenue holds as projected in the Governor’s April 12, 2016 budget proposal, no tax rate increase will be necessary.

The tax rate would remain at 29.87 mills and the taxes on the median single family home with an assessed value of $155,700 will be $4,651, he said.

"Significant growth" in the value of commercial properties and unprecedented growth in personal property is generating over $1.3 million dollars in tax revenue for the town Hart said.

Town officials said residents and property owners should bring a form of identification to the annual meeting to verify their eligibility to vote. A sign language interpreter will be available for citizens who are hearing impaired as well as transportation for elderly and disabled electors.

With advanced reservations, childcare will be available for children ages 3 to 12 at no charge from 6:45 PM through the end of the meeting. Voters attending the town meeting and needing child care, transportation, or sign language services, should contact the Department of Human Services at 860-429-3315.

The budget is available online at www.mansfieldct.gov. Hard copies of the budget are available at various locations, including the Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building, the Mansfield Public Library, the Mansfield Senior Center and the Mansfield Community Center.