Somers Board of Finance Votes to Move Annual Town Meeting Date

On Monday, residents in Somers gathered at the annual budget public hearing to discuss the 2013-14 budget.

The 2013-14 proposed budget is $29,933,765, which is an increase of $692,564 - or 2.37 percent. There would be a .65 mil property tax increase, making the new rate 23.77.

The median assessed value of a home in Somers is $197,800, and the proposed budget would mean an increase of $129 for the year on a property of this assessment.

In this budget, the town portion is $6,040,385 and the school portion is $20,220,880. Capital improvements that are town funded are $275,000, that are state grants are $889,260, and that are potential state grants are $742,547. Debt service amounts to $1,765,693.

Some residents expressed concern in the fact that $702,260 was recently moved from the town portion of the budget and put into a capital improvements - state grant line. The school budget also saw $187,000 moved into this same fund.

These changes were viewed by some as cuts, and as just an accounting move by others. Board of Finance member Michael Parker reminded the audience that nothing from the state is set in stone - concern with state aid is why these funds were moved - so the conversation may not even matter in the end.

Board of Finance member Stephen Krasinski proposed that perhaps the referendum should be delayed until September - giving more time to see what happens on the state level.

Some seemed in favor of this, while others were concerned how it might affect the schools and the implementation of all-day kindergarten.

At its meeting after the public hearing, the board decided to delay the town meeting - scheduled for May 7 - therefore delaying the referendum for at least a little bit.

Many of the members felt that this budget year is different - and more confusing - than other years, and therefore didn't want to rush things. Some said that they didn't have enough information - or time to process the information from the public hearing - to make a decision right then.

For a detailed breakdown of the budget, and the budget flyer, check out the town of Somers Web site.

What do you think of the budget? Do you support it? Have concerns?