The Town of Stratford's Ordinance Committee convened for a special budget workshop on March 26, 2024, to discuss the allocation of funds for community services, particularly focusing on the South End Community Center and Birds Eye Municipal Complex. The meeting highlighted key budgetary changes and the ongoing challenges faced by the community services department.

A significant point of discussion was the proposed increase in the budget for custodial supplies and outside services, amounting to $10,000 and $22,000 respectively. This funding is intended to support the maintenance of the South End Community Center, which currently does not have a dedicated custodian on-site. Instead, custodial services are contracted as needed, raising concerns about the adequacy of cleaning and maintenance, especially in light of the ongoing youth mental health crisis that has increased the center's usage.

Committee members sought clarification on staffing levels, with assurances that no positions were being cut despite fluctuations in part-time staffing based on seasonal needs. The budget reflects a slight increase in headcount, primarily due to the allocation of salaries across different departments, including community services and senior services.

The meeting also addressed the challenges in hiring qualified counselors, a situation exacerbated by a broader trend of professionals leaving the field for private practice or other opportunities. This has led to a reliance on interns, who provide valuable support but are often unpaid. The department is actively working to adapt to these staffing challenges while maintaining service levels, particularly in mental health support for youth.

Additionally, the committee discussed the funding structure for social services, noting that social workers are primarily funded through the senior services budget, even as they support various community needs. This integrated approach aims to leverage resources effectively across departments.

In conclusion, the budget workshop underscored the Town of Stratford's commitment to addressing community needs through careful financial planning, despite the challenges posed by staffing shortages and increased demand for services. The committee will continue to monitor these issues as they finalize the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.