Budget Approved - Lowest Tax Increase in Years !

Last night the Legislative Council, in a 12-3 vote, approved the new annual budget for Fiscal 08-09. I was very pleased to support the budget this year, as were all 12 of my fellow Democrats on the Council.

The highlights:

1) We were able to produce a very responsible budget, that keeps us on sound financial footing, while still holding the taxes to the lowest increase in years;

2) We lowered the mill rate over a 1/2 mill lower than what was recommended in the Mayor's budget in March;

3) We kept our commitment to the Town's Pension Plan, by increasing the contribution to $12.5 million, despite attempts to lower it to $11 million, which would have been less than last year;

4) We made sure to keep Public Safety a priority by funding our Police and Fire Department budgets to allow for proper equipment and personnel;

I will be writing a column for the news with more detail, but wanted to post some highlights today. As always, please e-mail with comments and questions to councilmancurtleng@yahoo.com.

Sincerely -

CURT