Region 14 Business Manager Slashes Initial Budget Increase

A second proposal of the 2011 Region 14 budget reduces a lofty initial proposal made last week.

Edward Arum, Region 14 Interim Business Manager proposed a reduction that would slash the budget increase in the region by one third. The initial proposed increase from 2010 to 2011 was $2,129,948, the second proposal increases the budget 4.78% from 2010, down from 7.17%.

After this second proposal, Bethlehem’s mill rate would increase .3973% to 1.86%, an additional $6.88/month. In Woodbury, the increase would be 1.108% to 5.23%, $32.32/month.

Arum said he is still negotiating with Blue Cross/Blue Shield’s increase on cost of insurance, which could represent up to $4 million of the budget.

He also said he would work with bus routes, particularly those involved with the redistricting of the elementary school, to curb spending.

Additional cuts include the $45,000 for work on the athletic fields, along with several reductions to accounts such as, field trips, which have been reduced by $9,000 to 23,000, the account for furniture which has been halved to $17,340 and technology equipment which has been reduced by $20,000 to $64,870.

Arum proposed to reduce staff by 14.50, 8.6 of those are certified staff, the other 5.9 are non-certified.

The Board of Education is hoping to schedule a meeting with the Board of Selectman and the Board of Finance next week to further discuss the budget.