Middletown Council debates $18000 funding for mental health services and civic appropriations

The Middletown Town Council held its second public hearing on the budget on May 29, 2025, focusing on key funding decisions that could impact local mental health services and community programs. The council recognized the critical need for enhanced mental health support, proposing an $18,000 allocation to improve access to treatment and prevention services.

During the meeting, council members debated the conditions surrounding this funding. The proposal included a stipulation that neighboring communities, Newport and Portsmouth, also contribute the same amount. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the funding is sustainable and effective across the region. The council discussed the procedural steps necessary to amend the budget to include this funding, emphasizing the importance of clarity in the voting process.

In addition to mental health funding, the council addressed adjustments to various budget lines, including a proposed decrease in taxes levied by the municipality by $306,912. This adjustment is intended to lower the tax rate from 3.57% to 3.04%, with plans for repayment in two years when state reimbursements for school bond debt are expected to arrive.

The discussions highlighted the council's commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with the pressing needs of the community. As the council moves forward, the decisions made during this meeting will play a crucial role in shaping the town's budget and the services available to residents in the coming year.