Proposed 2022-23 Southbury Budget Carries 3.68% Increase: Report

SOUTHBURY, CT — Southbury's proposed 2022-23 budget of $22.37 million to operate the town carries a 3.68 percent increase over the current year's allocation of $21.58 million, the News-Times reported.

First Selectman Jeff Manville presented his budget proposal this month, which does not include the town's contribution to the Pomperaug Region 15 School District of about $50 million.

"This year brought us many challenges including another increase in the State minimum wage, new mandates such as the Police Accountability Bill, staggering inflationary pressures impacting the cost of gasoline and diesel and the labor market," Manville said in a recent statement. "Despite all of these challenges, we have managed to develop a fiscally responsible budget without reducing the quality of Town services."

The state's minimum wage increase to $15 per hour will impact all town departments. Adding body cameras and other police reform measures are increasing the amount Southbury and other communities will pay for law enforcement next year.

Town officials will pore over the proposed budget over the next couple of months before residents vote in May to accept or reject the final tally.

Read the News-Times story.