This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Town Budget, Bond Issues Pass Easily

Mill Rate Will Be Set In June After Revenue Picture Becomes Clearer

In a townwide referendum Tuesday, Ledyard voters overwhelmingly approved a $49,134,068 town budget for 2011-12, and also approved two bond issue questions by wide margins.

The vote for the budget was 604-147 in favor of a plan that would raise spending by $1,117,828 -- an increase of about 2.33 percent. But that increase is offset by a $703,430 stimulus grant received last year and applied to the budget for next year.

The net increase of $414,398 reflects an increase of less than 1 percent.

Find out what's happening in Ledyardwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Voters also approved a $5.4 million plan to extend water service to Aljen Heights. The town secured funding for the initial two phases of the project in the form or a 20 percent grant and 2 percent loan for the balance.

The vote to approve the water project was 495-241 -- more than a 2-1 margin.

Find out what's happening in Ledyardwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Voters also passed a three-year road maintenance project for which the town will bond $3.5 million. That measure passed by a whopping 613-130.

With the votes counted, Mayor Fred B. Allyn Jr. said the town may now proceed with at least some of projects that had been deferred until now.  

“We’re never all set," he said. "There’s always challenges and work to do. At least we’re able to go ahead,” he said. A particular concern was the water project, which is expected to resolve an old issue. “This is not a new problem, but it’s the first time we’ve gotten serious about fixing it.”

Town Council member Jim Diaz, who questioned the water project, said he was satisfied with the results of the referendum. “I’m happy about the margins,” he said. “It means the residents are happy.”

The lopsided votes could explain why public hearings and town meetings that preceded the referendum were so sparsely attended. Unlike last year, when the town threatened to close the Gales Ferry Library, this year's voting was light.

By noontime at Ledyard Center School, only about 100 residents had voted, and the turnout was comparable in Gales Ferry.  By the time the polls closed at 8 p.m., only 754 voters had cast ballots.

The budget provides for new bleachers at the high school, among other capital improvements. It also includes a new Human Resources Administrator to help negotiate labor contracts.

The revenue side of the budget is still unclear, and could depend on how the state decides to close a $400 million gap in Gov. Malloy's budget plan. The town is required by law to set a mill rate in June. 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?