City Council debates $9 million funding strategy amid property assessment concerns

During the recent Special City Council and Board of Finance meeting in Torrington, a heated discussion emerged over the proposed $9 million budget phase-in plan. Council members expressed strong concerns about the financial implications for taxpayers, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in managing public funds.

One council member highlighted the challenges of covering the proposed budget increase, stating, "We couldn't take that out of fund balance... our taxpayers are gonna have to come up with a bigger increase anyways." This sentiment echoed throughout the meeting, as officials grappled with the reality of rising property assessments and the potential burden on residents.

The conversation took a critical turn when concerns were raised about the assumptions underlying the financial projections, particularly regarding the mill rate. "There are so many assumptions that have been made in the numbers," one member noted, stressing the uncertainty surrounding the city's financial future.

Despite calls for a phased approach to the budget, some council members firmly opposed the idea, arguing that it would only delay necessary financial decisions. "I am not for a phase-in... you're delaying your credit card payment," one council member remarked, advocating for a more immediate resolution to the city's fiscal challenges.

As the meeting concluded, the council recognized the need for further discussions and collaboration to ensure that any financial decisions made would prioritize the interests of the community. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial as Torrington navigates its budgetary landscape in the coming years.