Politics & Government
Uncertainty Over State's Billion Dollar Budget Deficit Could Impact Milford Budget Vote: Report
Milford officials are wondering if they need to make cuts now in anticipation of a possible major reduction in state aid.
MILFORD, CT — The budget process in Milford this year was supposed to be a relative walk in the park. For the second straight year residents were expecting to see their taxes possibly decrease.
The Board of Education approved a historically low budget increase and the city's grand list was growing strong enough to support another tax decrease, and then of course news came that Gov. Malloy announced his proposal to address the state's billion dollar deficit, which includes stripping Milford of $11 million in state aid.
While all of this drama is unfolding in Hartford back at home in Milford the Finance Board is trying to approve a budget for next year. The Finance Board will vote on next year's budget Wednesday night and it remains to be seen whether members will order more cuts in anticipation of the state cutting funds to Milford.
Find out what's happening in Milfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Finance Board member Joseph Fitzpatrick suggested reducing the school board budget in anticipation of cuts at the state level, the Milford Mirror reports. Several city officials don't believe Malloy's budget proposal will be approved by the Legislature. Mayor Ben Blake traveled to Hartford to oppose the proposed $11 million cut to Milford.
Blake, according to the Milford Mirror, noted the school budget is a "very conservative" plan and indicated it may not be prudent to make cuts to it. The proposed city budget for next year is $208.17 million, which increase spending by 1.8 percent. While spending is increasing the grand list is booming and could generate $2 million in an extra revenue next year for the city, the Milford Mirror reports.
Find out what's happening in Milfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Board of Aldermen approves the final Milford budget and tax rate for next year in mid to late May.
See related stories on the Milford city budget, the school budget, and Blake's trip to Hartford last week:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
