Politics & Government

North Branford Budget Public Hearing Draws a Crowd

At the April 2 public hearing, North Branford residents expressed their concerns for the town's proposed budget.


North Branford residents had the chance to speak out on the 2013-14 proposed budget at a public hearing on April 2 and so many residents showed up that the hearing had to be moved to the cafeteria at North Branford Intermediate School as North Branford Town Hall was over capacity.

Many residents thanked the members of the Town Council for their hard work and time volunteered. Residents spoke in favor of the North Branford Fire Department's proposed budget and others spoke on the budget as a whole, concerns about raising taxes, education, the town's future and more.

Future of North Branford

Several members of the Economic Development Commission spoke on the importance of developing a long-term vision for the town. Chairman Eric Hodgson discussed the Charrette Study he would like the town to approve, which would require about $13,000.

"I just hope our modest request will be honored in the budget," said Ann Finch, another member of the EDC. "We have a good group and we're spending a lot of time trying to get some plans for the Route 80/139 corridor. If we don’t get some development in town, we’ll be right back here again talking about the same thing next year." 

Don't Raise Taxes

Some residents expressed that there was no need to raise taxes. Roger Munck suggested raising class sizes and holding off on any improvements at the police department. 

Sara Querfeld, a 58-year resident, was "offended by the Town Manager's presentation" because "she presented a budget without telling us the percentage increase." Therrien's proposed budget included a 9 percent increase in spending.

Wayne Pitcher, who has lived in town for 35 years, recently retired and said spending $527 more in taxes a year is "a little too steep." Another longtime resident, Florencia Montagnini agreed, saying, "If taxes go up, I can't afford it."

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Education

Brandi Little compared the town's proposed budget to the school's proposed budget, noting that while the town is asking for a 9 percent increase, the schools were asking for 2.66 percent. 

"Of the increase, 2 percent is going toward teacher contracts," said Little. "Security is the only thing the Board of Ed has added. Everything is to maintain what we have."

Several residents spoke out in favor of the schools' decision to place guards in the school with Art Caplan saying, "I want to congratulate the Board of Ed and superintendent for taking such a proactive response to Sandy Hook," and Cliff Potter adding, "Our school board and staff jumped on the ball and did what they had to do – don't challenge them, support them."

But others weren't as supportive of giving the school system more money, including Moya Pantani, who has lived in town for 40 years with three of her four children attending private school.

"Every year, the taxes have gone up and the schools always want money and need money," she said. "Money doesn't save schools."

Following the hearing, Colby O'Rourke, who is planning on running for the North Branford Board of Education this fall, blogged about the proposed budget. 

What's Next?

The North Branford Town Council still has several budget workshops planned. The workshop scheduled for Monday, April 15, has been canceled. The next workshop follows the April 16 Town Council meeting. 

If necessary, the Council will meet on Wednesday, April 17 and Monday, April 22. The budget can be adopted at any of the workshops.


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