Naugatuck Residents to Vote on Second Budget Referendum Tuesday

Naugatuck residents will head to the polls on Tuesday for the second time this year to decide on the borough’s proposed budget, the Republican-American reports.

According to My Citizen News, the referendum will be held Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Naugatuck Historical Society.

The proposed budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year will see an increase in spending of about $2.89 million from the previous fiscal year. Under the proposed budget, there will be a lower mill rate for taxpayers.

The proposed municipal budget is $52.5 million, an increase of $1.26 million from the previous fiscal year while the Board of Education budget is $61.1 million, an increase of $1.62 million from the previous fiscal year. Voters will be able to answer yes, no:too high or no:too low on each budget.

Officials cut $1.43 million from the budget after the first budget proposal failed in July, the Republican-American reports.

Board of Finance chairwoman Diane Scinto told the paper the budget is very responsible. In an effort to cut spending, key positions have been cut through attrition, municipal employees will be given the public sector equivalent of a 401(k) instead of a pension and departments have been revamped.

Former Board of Finance member Matthew Katra has helped petition both budget proposals to a referendum, My Citizen News reports. Katra told the paper he is opposed to the proposed budget as the Joint Boards of Mayor and Burgesses and Finance did not cut enough spending.

Mayor Robert Mezzo told the publication there was nothing left to responsibly cut from either budgets. Mezzo added that people were misinformed about the budget and he hoped that people would have more faith in the people they elect to make budgetary decisions that are fiscally-responsible.

For the results of the referendum to count, at least 15 percent of registered voters need to vote otherwise the budget is considered adopted.

If the budget fails, a third budget proposal could be taken to referendum, which would not likely be held until late this year or early next year.

Residents who need a ride to the polls can call 203-806-0588.

Image via Shutterstock

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