Selectmen Seek Creative Solutions to Budget Shortfall

Lower valley selectmen are looking for creative ways to work together to make up for budget shortfalls fom fewer state grants in the coming year. That was the message at last week's Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce East Haddam-Haddam Division breakfast meeting at the Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station, attended by about 20 town officials and business leaders. 

Haddam First Selectman Paul DiStefano said regional cooperation is the only way to deal with state cutbacks. "We continue to seek out synergistic ways to tie together with [East Haddam First Selectman Mark Walter], DiStefano said. It's no secret that we are struggling with problems of infrastructure. The county is stymied by the economy and the state's condition."

Fewer state grants are the biggest problem, DiSefano said. "That's a bear, folks. Let me tell you, it's tough," he said. The first selectman said he's looking forward to the revitalization of Higganum center, but acknowledged budgetary constraints have been a hindrance.

Walter announced the creation of a Financial Needs roundtable, which will bring together heads of boards and commissions from both towns. "We'll have an open discussion, a public meeting, focusing on the financial needs of the town. Every town has competing interests — we all have limited amounts of capital," Walter said.

East Haddam Economic Development Committee coordinator Melissa Ziobran told the group that local business owner Sue Pagano is spearheading the new East Haddam Business Association, which will act as a liaison between businesses in town and the EDC.

In Haddam, DiStefano said the small business climate is improving, noting that several businesses have expressed interest in moving to Higganum center. "We have a beauty school/salon, another bank ..." he said. DiStefano also revealed plans to convert some older homes into bed-and-breakfasts to attract 'daycationers.'

"We have historic homes sitting practically vacant with beautiful bedrooms," he said.

Many individuals and groups in town, DiStefano said, have big plans for economic revitalization of Haddam, however, "we just don't have the infrastructure to catch up with their dreams."

Thinking regionally is the key, he said, noting that he values his relationship with East Haddam which offers an opportunity to "watch and learn." 

"We just have to tighten our belts and be as positive and aggressive as possible," DiStefano said.