Committee refers Downtown District mill rate to full council after director defends staffing and programs

The Committee on Planning, Zoning and Housing on June 3 referred the New Britain Downtown District’s proposed FY2025–26 budget back to the full Common Council with a neutral recommendation after the district’s executive director answered members’ questions about staffing, services and the district’s mill rate.

Director "Miss Bosco" told the committee she is the district’s only full‑time employee and that the budgeted salary line covers three positions — one full‑time director, a part‑time bookkeeper/administrative assistant and a part‑time marketing/event coordinator — though the part‑time roles are hourly and do not receive benefits. "Coming in 3 years ago, I was the only full time person, and I inherited 2–3 part time people," Miss Bosco said, adding that the salary line remains appropriate for those positions and that hourly rates were increased to remain competitive.

Committee members asked for clarity on where the district stores holiday decorations and whether it coordinates with public works; the director said decorations and trees are stored at the Public Works yard and described ongoing collaboration for events and maintenance. Alderman Russell praised the district’s promotional work and said he had "no problem supporting this budget."

The district’s board of commissioners and property‑owner membership previously approved the budget; the committee’s role is to adopt the district’s mill rate (listed in the budget as 2.75 mills). Staff and the director said the membership had already adopted the line‑item budget and the council’s action is limited to approving the levy necessary for tax collection. The committee voted unanimously to refer the item to the full council with a neutral recommendation.