Westport Takes Large State Funding Hit

Westport took a particularly hard hit when it comes to reduction of state municipal aid.

The town was estimated to get about $3.47 million for fiscal year 2016, but a $15 million cut in state statutory municipal aid reduced that by $417,699. The reduction is a 12.1 percent decrease.

Westport’s percentage deduction is the second highest in the state after Greenwich. Nearby municipalities got the following percent cuts: Fairfield (6.74%), Darien (5%), Norwalk (.53%), Trumbull (2.3%), Bridgeport (.23).

“Westport is financially strong, and we are certainly willing to do our fair share,” said First Selectman Jim Marpe. “Nevertheless, I would like to know how this formula is designed and better understand why Westport’s share of the state mandated reductions seems disproportionate.”

Marpe also said it’s troubling that the state is handling reduction in the middle of a fiscal year after budgets and mill rates are set.

“I have urged the state to be more realistic in its budget/revenue projections,” he said. “If cuts are projected to be made, municipalities should be notified much earlier so that they may budget accordingly.”

There is still $5 million in reductions that haven’t been allocated. If the same calculation is applied Westport will lose another $170,000 and result in a total reduction of about $587,000.