Board of Selectmen Meeting April 2, 2018

Board of Selectmen Meeting April 2, 2018

I would like to know the process that is to be followed at the public hearing on Thursday, April 5, 2018 since tonight’s meeting will probably revise the Board of Selectmen expenditure budgets.

The direction of the Board of Finance was to reduce expenditures. However, the call for the Board of Finance hearing was for the public to discuss the expenditure budgets as presented on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.

It appears that the Board of Selectmen has ignored the direction from the Board of Finance and presented a political budget with every organization getting a piece of the taxpayer’s pie.

We the people have been overtaxed for years, creating a General Fund (savings account) over $12million.

As a result of the recent revaluation the lower value homes have their taxes increased and the high end home taxes are greatly reduced. Homes assessed between $200,000 and $400,000 taxes are increased on average over 8% and the homes valued at $700,000 and above have their taxes decreased about 10%. This inequality will continue for five years until the next revaluation.

The car tax will be increased to the mill rate this year.

Since all budgets reflect expenditures and revenues, the Town has to make an adjustment for a $1million short-fall on the expectation of revenues that were not realized in the 2016/17 budget in the 2018/19 budget.

Simsbury competes with the surrounding towns for Economic Development and home sales. The elected officials should be mindful of the unintended consequences of increased taxes, increasing the debt and a high mill rate.

We can no longer depend on the State for revenues. Connecticut will not grow economically in the future and revenues will decrease increasing the taxpayer’s burden.

Is the Board of Selectmen presenting a political budget, satisfying the needs of the 1% or the majority of the taxpayers? With only 6% of the taxpayers voting for the budget, it is the responsibility of the elected Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance to present a fiscally responsible budget.

Is it appropriate to present a Capital expenditure for a Henry James Middle School renovation for $23,903,620 when the Board of Education had an enrollment of 5017 students in 2004-05. There were 4110 students in 2017 a reduction of 907 students. They are reviewing adding a 6th grade to Henry James Middle School. The expenditure for a Capital Improvement to the Henry James Middle School of $23,903,620 should be eliminated until all options are finalized. The cost sharing from the State may not be available. Has the Board of Education produced a cost analysis for the additional overhead expenses for the renovation?

Radio Communications Companies have been used for analysis of many Police radio transmission upgrades with no cost to the Town. Many towns have determined that leasing equipment is preferable to purchasing. This should be reviewed before the Town spends money on Plans which would supply the same results.

All Capital Expenditures that are paid with cash should be eliminated or placed in the operating budget for compliance with the fiscal policy of the Board of Finance.

I am concerned that the model for the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association requires many volunteers to make them solvent. Since volunteerism is down and this is a requirement in their business plan, it is time to look at AMR with paid staff, to provide ambulance service to the Town. The surrounding Towns use AMR with no cost to the Town and provide acceptable service.

Simsbury Golf Course has not been self-sustaining for years with the taxpayers paying for all Capital expenditures and revenue short-falls. Towns can no longer support the expensive overhead expenses associated with golf courses. Most of the revenue comes from non-residents. Simsbury Golf Course needs professional management.

Throwing money for Social Services will not solve the opioid crises or drug addiction. The Police Department, Schools and Hospitals are aware of the need for long-term counseling that is presently unavailable. Many of CREC schools that are underperforming should be repurposed for Mental Health and Addiction Services.

It is alleged that Big Y was stymied when trying to develop their property due to “push back” and extraordinary requirements from Jamie Rabbitt, Director of Planning and Community Development, making Simsbury difficult to work with.

We will not have any substantive Economic Development as long as Jamie Rabbitt remains as the Director of Planning and Community Development.

It is time for the Board of Selectmen to take bold steps to reduce expenditures and not use the General Fund to pay for projects that are mostly political in nature. The excess in the General Fund should be used to reduce the taxes, not increase expenditures.

What expenditure and revenue budgets will be presented to the Board of Finance Hearing on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 6 PM in the High School Amphitheater?