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Sterling Board of Finance forwards selectmen and education budgets to Town Meeting, adopts budget guide
Summary
The Board of Finance voted to send both the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education budgets to a Town Meeting, set a public hearing for April 29 at 7:00 p.m., adopted a CCM budget guide to streamline next year’s process, and debated—without advancing—a $350,000 surplus proposal to lower the mill rate.
The Sterling Board of Finance voted April 8 to forward the Board of Selectmen’s and Board of Education’s proposed budgets to a Town Meeting and set a public hearing for April 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the gym.
The Board accepted the Selectmen’s budget on a 5–1 voice vote after discussion of employee pay. Peter Rabbitt made the motion to accept the Selectmen’s budget and move it to Town Meeting; Tracie Adams cast the lone nay. Adams emphasized the need for equitable raises across town employees, noting the school system’s systematic 2–3% raises. First Selectman Jack Joslyn agreed that staff are underpaid.
The Board approved the Board of Education’s budget unanimously (6–0) on a motion by Peter Rabbitt seconded by Tracie Adams. The board also agreed unanimously to hold a public hearing on the budgets on April 29 at 7:00 p.m.
Members adopted the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) Research Budget Guide to inform next year’s budget-creation process; David Malo moved to adopt the guide and the motion passed 6–0. Malo told the board the guide provides a step-by-step process from early fall planning to the final hearing and vote and is intended to improve transparency and efficiency.
On other budget-related business, board member David Malo proposed moving $350,000 from the general fund surplus into the working budget to reduce the mill rate and present that change to taxpayers for approval. That motion failed for lack of a second. Members raised concerns about drawing down the surplus, which currently earns annual interest, and noted the town’s existing water and sewer debt.
The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
