Tolland Patch Letter: Luba And Yudichak On The Budget

TOLLAND, CT — To the Editor:

A bi-partisan letter in support of Tolland's referendum set for May 17:

Councilors Luba and Yudichak wanted to let Tolland's wonderful community know that the Town Council came together in bipartisan support of a new budget to be sent to a referendum on Tuesday, May 17th.

A robust discussion took place on how to lower taxes for our community with the least impact on our town services.

Below are more details on the approved budget with bipartisanship support.

Board of Education has been reduced by $302,891 to a 2.25% increase and town expenditures were reduced by $92,317 to a 3.25% increase. The town will delay hiring a senior center administrative assistant, and will not be hiring a public works laborer. Unchanged are the public safety position, debt service, and capital items.

The estimated mill rate for real estate and personal property is 36.58 mills, which is a decrease of - 0.53 mills or -1.43%. The motor vehicles mill rate will be capped at 32.46 mills, which is a decrease of -4.65 mills or -12.54%. The total budget amount approved with bipartisan support is $59,710,999 for an overall spending increase of 2.57%. This budget is a larger overall mill rate decrease. Residents' motor vehicle taxes could vary up or down depending on how much their vehicle’s value changed from last year.

As a council, we approved a budget we believe supports the needs of our community while recognizing the personal budgetary difficulties our residents face. Together, we ask our residents to join us in support of this bipartisan budget proposal.

Lou Luba - Town Councilor
Colleen Yudichak-Town Councilor