These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes please contact the Town Clerk's Office.

APRIL 5, 2000

PUBLIC HEARING

1. CALL TO ORDER

Paul Henault, Chairman, called the Public Hearing of the Board of Finance to order at 7:38 p.m in the Simsbury High School Auditorium, 34 Farms Village Road, Simsbury. The following members were present: Candace Fitzpatrick, James Belfiore, Peter Askham and Michael Wade. Also present were Kevin Kane, Finance Director, Anita Mielert, First Selectman, Joseph Townsley, Superintendent of Schools, David Holden, Business Manager, Mary Margaret Girgenti, BOE Chairman, and other interested parties.

2. PROPOSED 2000/2001 BOARD OF SELECTMEN BUDGET

Ms. Mielert addressed the BOS budget and stated that they are within the BOF budget guideline with a 3.99% increase over last year's budget. She noted that after salary and insurance increases the BOS budget is increased by $47,000. Ms. Mielert discussed the budget initiatives and the joint projects between the BOS and the BOE. She stated that they are upgrading the part-time Business Reference Librarian to a full-time position and adding hours to the Senior Center Clerk position. Ms. Mielert briefly discussed the community policing program. She reviewed the capital improvement initiatives, the Special Revenue Funds, and the BOS items included in the Capital Non-Recurring Fund.

3. PROPOSED 2000/2002 BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET

Ms. Girgenti stated that the BOE budget is a 10.68% increase over last year's budget to address the needs of the school system. She noted that the only new programs included in this budget are 5 expanded AP courses. Ms. Girgenti stated that the primary factor for the increase is enrollment. She pointed out that after staff additions, insurance and pensions, and the collective bargaining agreements, the increase in the budget is 2.51%. Ms. Girgenti reviewed the previous enrollment increases and the projections for the coming years. She stated that staffing is required at all levels, as well as the addition of a module at Tootin' Hills School and three modules at the high school. Ms. Girgenti provided a list of the impact of a $1.3 million reduction in the BOE budget.

Chairman Henault discussed the role of the BOF and development of the mill rate. He stated that revenues from the State have been reduced by 75% over the last 5 years. Chairman Henault pointed out that the proposed budgets equal a 8.82% cumulative budget increase. He reviewed the tax impact possibilities as a result of the proposed budgets.

4. PUBLIC HEARING

Karen Kolosieke, 5 Colby Court, stated that she supports the BOE budget, without any reduction. She pointed out that Simsbury is a residential tax based community so the taxpayers have to pay to maintain their quality of life. She questioned the homeowner's tax dollar difference between a 5% increase and an 8% increase in property tax. She suggested that the success of the Simsbury school system cannot continue with the same budget and increased enrollment.

Mr. Kane stated that a 5% tax increase would reduce the property tax increase by one-third.

Carol Kruse, 41 Drumlin Road, expressed her concern with the reluctance to spend the funding needed for the children. She pointed out that the value of the education system draws people to town and increases property values. She stated that more money is spent on pool passes at Simsbury Farms than the proposed tax increase.

Ken Jackson, 15 Wolcott Drive, stated that his current property taxes exceed what his mortgage had been. He stated that he is on a fixed income and either needs to take out another mortgage or leave town. Mr. Jackson suggested that the BOE budget is excessive and a wish list. He expressed his feeling that the growth from large houses in town should be adequate enough to decrease the taxes.

Ms. Girgenti stated that the BOE budget is based on enrollment and for years Simsbury has had high education at a low cost. She stated that they have cut the budget as tight as they can. Dr. Townsley presented statistics on the average class sizes in the schools. He stated that Simsbury is above average in class size and the proposed budget also makes up for last year.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, suggested that a $1.3 million decrease of the BOE budget would be fiscally responsible. She stated that the only way to reduce costs is a regionalized school system. She pointed out that there will be referendum in November for a $66 million high school. Ms. Coe requested that the BOF requested a $1.3 million reduction in the BOE budget, otherwise Simsbury will become the highest taxing town in the Farmington Valley. She stated that having the highest taxes equates to decreased property values.

Ms. Coe addressed the BOS budget and stated that the $78,000 allocation to the EDC is not justified. She stated that Main Street should not receive $40,000 of taxpayer money when they are a non-profit organization. Ms. Coe suggested that allocating funds to an advisory commission won't increase the industrial tax base. She stated that Ensign Bickford and Griffin Land are the driving force to lower taxes in town. Ms. Coe stated that due to the advantages of the internet there should be a reduction in needed space at Town Hall. She suggested that if Pharos Farm were used for athletic fields it would reduce the cost to the taxpayers.

Jo-Anne Lardie, 9 Longview Drive, stated that the Town has set the bar high in the school system and she is willing to pay the assessment. She noted that the school system goes hand in hand with other services in town.

Paul Smith, 9 Kings Road, Coach of the Girl's Golf Program, stated that he supports the BOE budget. He noted that there are 25 girls in the golf program and in the past year there has been a 43 stroke reduction in their play.

Alex Adame, 4 Overlook Terrace, current Girl's Golf Team Captain, stated that the program has grown in the past 4 years from 4 members to 25. She discussed the results of the program and the opportunities it has provided for her.

Debbie Sadlon, 21 Butternut Lane, noted that the schools are not the most glamorous facilities. She stated that they need to look at the future for their children, noting that the proposed cuts will effect everyone in the community.

Joyce Burbank, 6 Deepwood Road, stated that she is appalled by the list of cuts. She stated that she has a fixed income, but is willing to spend money for children's education in support of the next generation.

Nancy Miller, 5 Joyce Lane, noted that there is no excess in the BOE budget. She stated that the town cannot educate more children with less money. She stated that the schools effect the property values in town and she encouraged the board to protect the pride within the community.

Kathy Dearing, 27 Hunting Ridge Drive, stated that her daughter is a member of the Girl's Golf Team. She stated that golf teaches skills and develops a health lifestyle into the future. She noted that girls must have equitable opportunities in sports.

Tom Burbank, 6 Deepwood Road, suggested that the budgets have not been adequate for years, yet they have an outstanding school system. He stated that to undermine quality is outrageous and the older generation has to pay their share of the load. Mr. Burbank pointed out that we have a residential tax system and the older generation's children were subsidized when they were in school. He suggested that it is outrageous to reduce these budgets.

Kathy Kirby, 108 Old Canal Way, stated that she supports the budget and they chose to move to Simsbury for their music programs. She stated that music educates the mind, body and soul.

Vicki Saucier, 8 Musket Trail, stated that she supports the BOE budget. She stated that she is appalled that some feel the budget is frivolous when it is simply maintenance. She noted that Squadron Line School has 25 children in the Kindergarten classroom.

Robert Meltzer, 3 Neal Drive, stated that they moved to Simsbury for the school system and the music program was an unexpected find. He noted that the amount of material being taught is increasing and there is fine line with the increased class sizes. He suggested that the budget is not frivolous and it would be irrational not to pass the budget.

Margaret Richardson, 12 Stratton Lane, stated that she supports both budgets and is concerned that there is enough offered within the education system. She pointed out that they have been discussing the same issues for 5 years and they need to be more proactive. Ms. Richardson suggested that a task force be formed to have an ongoing dialog and plan. She stated that the increased taxes probably effect more people that they realize and they need to address the situation.

Lauren Duff, 38 Wyngate, Simsbury High School student, stated that education is priceless. She stated her support for the DAP program and stated that it is essential to the education core of gifted students. She stated that the DAP program was the best experience she has had in the Simsbury public school system, noting that DAP students are free thinkers and leaders among peers.

Joel Mandell, 7 Harriet Lane, stated that he supports the BOE budget. He stated that the investment in the school system has been fruitful for his children and the community needs to step up and do what's best for everyone. He noted that there are tax programs for the elderly offered by the town. Mr. Mandell stated that investment in the children is worthwhile, and athletics is part of the education system.

Heidi Seitz, 7 Oxtail Drive, stated that she supports the DAP program and the BOE budget. She stated that by defeating the budget they are not solving any problems. She suggested that the voters should be informed of the tax difference between a 5% and a 8% increase in taxes.

Maggie LaBaron, 17 Hunting Ridge Drive, stated that she hopes the budget discussion is not pitting retirees against parents with children in the school system. She stated that the BOE budget is not frivolous and is maintenance of the current programs which they can't afford to cut, She suggested that a reduction in the BOE budget would compromise the integrity of the education system and would have a negative impact on every student. She stated her support for the BOS and BOE budgets.

Jerry Lintner, 5 Simscroft Place, Director of the Main Street Partnership, provided quantitative information on the program. He noted that that the $40,000 received from the EDC is a matching grant and last year $146,000 in enhancements came back to the town from investment in the program.

Sarah Coco, 11 Laurel Lane, pointed out that the fact that the town is growing is not going away. She expressed her concern if they need to fight every year to maintain the school system She suggested that they need long term thinking and possibly should appeal to the State.

Eileen Higham, 1 Musket Trail, urged the BOF to accept the 2 budgets. She noted that people move and stay in Simsbury due to the excellent school system and the small town atmosphere, as well as the library and Simsbury Farms.

Ken Jackson expressed his agreement that they need forward thinking and to not fight every year. He questioned whether the BOE has considered endowment funds.

Ms. Girgenti stated that the Education Enhancement Foundation seeks funding from other sources.

Chairman Henault reviewed the referendum date, the budget totals and the reduced capital projects for the next 2 years.

Chairman Henault closed the Public Hearing at 10:10 p.m.