Community Corner
Letter To The Editor: Approve The Budget Thursday May 17th
"As the recent past President of Madison Property Owners Association, I recommend the voters approve on May 17 the budgets approved by the BOF on April 25,2011."
To The Editor:
As the recent past President of Madison Property Owners Association, I recommend the voters approve on May 17 the budgets approved by the BOF on April 25,2011. The total for both budgets, Town and schools, amounts to 0.72%, less than 1%.
I was involved in many of the recent meetings MPOA had with the Police Chief, First Selectman, and Superintendent of Schools. From my perspective, all looked ahead, and worked hard to meet taxpayer concerns while keeping in tact the quality of life we have here in Madison. The budgets do not interrupt any needed town services, core curriculum or programs, or necessary activities needed for a well rounded educational experience here in Madison.
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Due to the fairly rapid declining school population, we do need soon an in place a long term strategic plan for the taxpayer so she or he can see if their taxpayer dollars are being well spent on education for future staffing. The year 2012-2013 year budgets are pivotal for taxpayers because it is necessary to balance the 2.89% increase in teachers’ salaries($600,000)coming in 2012-2013 with perhaps fewer teachers or staff because of the continuous decreasing student population. Or this could be done by contract renegotiations. Finally, it is necessary for the Town to look at the cost of salaries($547,000)in the Youth and Family Services Budget.
A second referendum is a waste of money for the taxpayers. A 0.0% increase in mil rate, which MPOA advocates, would save $65.00 a year for the average Madison homeowner with an assessed house valuation of $400,000. To vote down the May 17 referendum to gain this would cost the taxpayers another $3000,( $6000 for two referendums), and would not be worth it.
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I hope on May 17 the town’s voters approve the 2011-2012 Board of Finance town and education approved budgets .
Bob Roxbrough
Past President, Madison Property Owners Association
91 Woodsvale Rd.
Madison,Ct.06443
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