Community Corner

GOP Caucus Presents Alternate Budget to Dems

As the common council readies to vote Thursday evening on the mayor's proposed 2012-13 spending package, the Republican caucus has drafted a plan

 

Just hours before the common council will consider approval of Mayor Dan Drew’s 2012-2013 budget proposal, the Republican caucus has submitted its own amended version to the Democrats.

"Individually and collectively, as the minority members of the Common Council, we believe our budget proposal offers the citizens of Middletown better safety preparedness as well as the opportunity to take advantage of city provided services such as the Sunday opening schedule of the Russell Library," reads the letter, signed by Phillip Pessina-Minority Leader, Joseph Bibisi, Deborah Kleckowski and Linda Salafia.

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Mayor Dan Drew presented his $132.3 million budget April 2 to the . The $132,270,972 spending package for the 2012-13 fiscal year, represents a 1.6 percentage increase over . The proposed budget would mean a one mill increase in the tax rate — an annual increase of $165, or $13.75 monthly, for the average homeowner with an house valued at $235,000.

The education budget remains about the same as last year in Drew’s budget, at $70,750,000. The school board had requested $74,161,155, which is 4.6 percent, or $3.4 million, more.

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The Republican caucus pledges to work with department heads to constantly review the budget and strategies to reduce spending," it continues.

The main proposed changes are (see the full documents attached)

  • $600,000 added as a foundation for mandatory revaluation
  • Office of Emergency Management received $13,929
  • Adding a parks maintainer at an annually salary of $45,000
  • A grants writer for half a year at $30,000
  • The pension fund be funded at 100 percent
  • The board of education budget be level funded

The common council will vote on the mayor's budget tonight immediately following the 7 p.m. community public meeting in council chambers of city hall.

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