Huntington Herald

Mayor's budget proposes tax increase; urges elimination of 'pay to participate' fees

Last Updated on Monday, 27 February 2012 16:02 Written by Kate Czaplinski, Herald Editor
Wednesday, 22 February 2012 19:39

Re-evaluation is to blame for a proposed mill rate increase in next year’s budget, according to Mayor Mark Lauretti, who gave his budget presentation Wednesday evening.

The mayor’s total budget proposal would increase the budget from about $111.9 million this year to 113,364,450 next year. The mill rate would go up about 3 mills, from 18.57 to 21.85 mills. That means a house assessed at $250,000 would have a tax bill of just over $5,462.

The budget also cut the Board of Education's budget compared to this year.

“A word of caution,” Lauretti said during his presentation, “while the mill rate has risen because of re-evaluation, real estate taxes are expected to drop for most residential property owners, a welcome relief given the current state of the economy.”

The mayor, who noted it was his 21st budget presentation, said that the budget line items haven’t changed much over the last several years.

“There’s not a whole lot to talk about,” Lauretti said after the public presentation. “The line items have been pretty constant the last 10 to 15 years — the only fluctuation is our contractual obligations.”

Lauretti also said that despite an average 16% drop in the grand list this year, growth will continue in the future and Shelton remains economically stable.

“While residential property values have dropped the commercial and industrial properties have held in value,” Lauretti said. “As a result most homeowners will see a reduction in overall taxes.”

His proposed budget gives the Board of Education about $500,000 less, he said. At the Board of Education meeting later Wednesday night, Board member Arlene Liscinsky said the mayor's budget for the schools is $63.2 million, down from this year's $63.7 million budget. Last December, the board requested about $636,000 more for next year, a 1% increase.

However, the mayor said he would give the district more if it eliminates the Pay to Participate fees for sports and clubs at the high school and intermediate school.

“It’s unnecessary, especially when they finished the school year with an $850,000 budget surplus” Lauretti said of the program.

Lauretti said he would appropriate $285,000 only if and when the Board of Education eliminates pay to participate fees.

“If this forces their hand, so be it,” Lauretti said.

Lauretti said in his proposal that the cost of education is a main concern. The mayor said he wants the Board of Education to be more “classroom oriented” in its distribution of money.

“At a time when Shelton student enrollment is dropping, our Board of Education should allow resources to improve academic performance,” Lauretti said.

The Board of Aldermen soon began budget workshops and a final budget for the new fiscal year must be approved by May 15.

For more on the proposed budget, check our website later and see next week's issue.

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