Residents raise concerns about special‑education facility and tax increases at Simsbury budget hearing

Several residents used the Board of Finance’s April 22 public‑comment period to criticize rising local taxes and the town’s approach to special‑education services, including a proposed property purchase for a specialized education facility.

Joan (full name not given), a resident who identified an address as 26 Wycombe Drive, said the budget “is presented with a 2.55% increase” and argued the increase would have a “devastating effect on the economic growth of Simsbury.” Joan called for cost containment in special education and said, “The Board of Education should be in the business of delivering cost‑effective services to most of our students and not continue to service a special education dynasty that has grown over the years with uncontrolled costs and a dysfunctional plan that is no longer acceptable.”

Margaret Rudin of 5 Cricket Lane told the board her taxes rose “36%” at revaluation and asked what seniors and other residents are receiving for higher taxes. She asked for clearer public notice about the special‑education property purchase and questioned the scope and staffing of a proposed special‑education building that she said would serve “20 to 25 students” from elementary through high school. Rudin asked about behavioral interventions, staffing and the use of seclusion or restraints in a restrictive environment.

Laurie Waco of 15 Oakhurst Road said the school budget has grown substantially over the past decade and criticized staff growth relative to enrollment, noting that school staffing increases have outpaced student‑enrollment changes. She told the board: “When do we say we can't afford this? … It is time to…