The following opinion piece is a joint submission from First Selectman Toni Boucher, Bd. of Finance Chair Matt Raimondi and Bd. of Education Chair Ruth DeLuca.
Please join us at the Annual Town Meeting (ATM) on May 7 and cast your vote in favor of the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education budgets, as well as in support of the mill rate and bonding referendums — collectively known as the ‘ATM Recommendations’. These recommendations reflect our community’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, outstanding education, and effective town services.
This year, our town faced several challenges as the three boards collaborated to navigate the state-mandated revaluation (which dramatically increased property values), a new requirement by Moody’s for us to increase our Fund Balance, and pressing town/school building repairs. More than half of the tax increase was driven by these factors. Despite these extraordinary circumstances, the boards listened closely to residents and worked together to strike a balance between educational and town needs while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Let’s continue to come together and show our support for the ATM Recommendations, our schools, and our town. As a reminder, the ATM will convene on Tuesday, May 7, at 7 p.m. in the Clune Auditorium at Wilton High School (395 Danbury Rd.). Additionally, voting will continue from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 11.
Join us in supporting the ATM Recommendations at the Annual Town Meeting.
Toni Boucher, First Selectman
Matt Raimondi, Board of Finance Chair
Ruth DeLuca, Chair Board of Education
Agreed on voting yes. For further consideration: I wish I had $1 for every time I have heard “State Mandated”! Whether as it relates to “Hartford” usurping our zoning laws or cramming “funded or unfunded” State Mandates on our educational system, it is safe to say “Hartford” does not have our best interest at heart. Please CONSIDER to stop voting for democrats at the State level unless you would like this to continue.