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.
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.
"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.
