Candelora: North Branford Budget "Preparing for the Worst, Hoping for the Best"

After passing a $48.8 million budget with a 29.1 mill rate on April 22, the North Branford Town Council thought the next step in the budget process would be the referendum on May 14. But that changed when the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) pointed out possible shortcomings possible shortcomings in state funds.

So, instead of continuing on with the approved budget as many surrounding towns decided to do, according to Mayor Anthony Candelora, the Town Council met on April 30 to address the possible scenarios.

"We took the road of being cautious, preparing for the worst, hoping for the best," said Candelora. "We're hoping the state gives us the money they should."

The biggest hit could come from a $185,000 decrease in the 'Hold Harmless Grant.' Candelora said he and the Town Council didn't want to take funds from town departments that had already settled their budgets.

Instead, they eliminated the facility study at $50,000; took $50,000 from the fire equipment reserve account; and reduced the Public Works equipment reserve fund by $35,000. The mill rate will remain at 29.1 with a 2013-14 budget of $48,669,961.

"My hope is we're able to replenish these funds [if the state funding is approved], but there are no clear-cut promises," said Candelora. 

Kevin Maloney and Jim Finley, representatives from the CCM, were also on hand to address the Council. 

"They said this year is the most difficult budget year they've ever seen for the state and it's very confusing the way they bonded and presented this budget," said Candelora. "If we had adopted the budget as it was, we could've had a shortfall and would've had to find a way to fill that void. I didn't want to kick the can down the road and pass any more taxes on to the taxpayers. 

"I have to thank the Town Council, [Finance Director] Anthony Esposito and [Town Manager] Mike Paulhus, who all did a great job," added Candelora. "I've never seen anything like this. Everyone worked very hard and I'm proud to be a part of this town."

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our newsletter