Town of Wallingford release letter of proposed 2015 budget

You can follow this LINK to pull the entire PDF file.

The overtaxing of Wallingford

Taxing considerations was printed today in the Record Journal – in it Mike Brodinsky outlined many points regarding our budgeting processes. It is a comprehensive read and I recommend it to everyone.  

Our current budget (from this past May) already included $4.3 million dollars from the rainy day fund; when the end of year audit was completed, the budget balance for the fiscal year 2013 was $7,388,000 to the positive. This is because the town took in $3,587,000 more than planned (as I stated during the budget cycle we are TOO conservative with our income projection numbers) and we spent $3,801,000 less than planned (and that is simply credit where credit is due - it doesn't make sense to spend more than you need to).

In May of 2013 I pressed that “TOO conservative with our income projection numbers” issue - MY TAKE - Wallingford budget passes with additional cuts 

We could have fully funded EVERYTHING and STILL had money left over because we sandbag our revenue numbers to make an excessive cushion. We over estimate expenses as shown above (and agreeably, that is a harder target to hit).

Yes - it is better than running into the red but when these monies are only shuffled around it is bad for the taxpayer.

That $4.3 million dollars moved into this current budget will be slid back into the general fund and not spent and then it will be infused into the new budget and likely not spent as well.

The current budget was adopted at $147.4 million dollars – an increase of 4.3 percent on the full budget this upcoming May totals a new budget of $153.4 million; an increase of $6,000,000. The total tax bill for the town CAN go up by that amount and there SHOULD be no tax increases for that to the taxpayers because we are sitting on $7,388,000 to the positive from this year (with about $900,000 or so being held back for future revaluations.)

What is more likely is the scenario that was laid out in the paper in the Wallingford audit shows healthy revenue article - $2.16 million will be added to the town’s general fund, which grows to $24,804,000. Of that balance, $6,471,000 remains unappropriated. $11,794,000 — is retained to show creditors the town is well-off financially.

 

From the City and towns differ in how to handle audits article:

Cheshire - Total Budget: $98.7 million Surplus: $1 million Unassigned Fund Balance: $9.4 million Credit Rating: AAA (Fitch) Aa1 (Moody’s)

Wallingford - Total Budget: $145.1 million Surplus: $2.1 million Unassigned Fund Balance: $18.1 million Credit Rating: Aaa (Moody’s)

Aaa - An obligor has EXTREMELY STRONG capacity to meet its financial commitments. – Wallingford

Aa1, - An obligor has VERY STRONG capacity to meet its financial commitments. It differs from the highest rated obligors only in small degree.- Cheshire

Aa2 and Aa3 also fall into that “An obligor has VERY STRONG capacity to meet its financial commitments. It differs from the highest rated obligors only in small degree” bucket – SOURCE.

I will remind our taxpayers of just one additional thing – when your tax situation changes, you sell your business (and no longer pay those taxes), downsize your home or move away you are never going to get a refund on these excess taxes you are paying right now. You will never see an increase or added service for the dollars you paid to the town.

It is impossible to hit the budget target on the nose but as I pointed out last year, as a freshman councilor versus as 30 year sitting mayor, we fudge the numbers way too much.

This is nothing short of being over taxed year after year.

There are a lot of numbers in this article – let me summarize for you.

If Wallingford’s total tax bill this budget season goes up less than 4.3 percent on the full budget for a new budget of $153.4 million AND our tax bills go up then the shell game is getting played again and you are being overtaxed.

See you in April at the budget hearings.

Wallingford Budget to be decided upon at the 5/14 Town Council Meeting

This is your last chance to speak on any items that come up for change on the budget; I will post the full agenda but I can tell you right now it will be a long meeting.

Please see the below information regarding the changes being proposed due to an expected $531,411.00 shortfall from state funding.

The proposal is to make changes to nine general fund expenditures, the largest of which is expected of the Board of Education budget. This is being done to prevent a further increase in taxes.

Before this shortfall of funding from the state, taxes were proposed to go up approximately $46.00 per household on an median assessed home ($191,000.00). If your property is less than this, you could have expected a smaller increase and if it was larger then it would be more.

If these changes are not made or some other changes are not proposed and adopted then the only way to gap the $531,411.00 would be to raise taxes further. To do that the tax increase would need to go up by about an additional $26.00 so the total change for this year would be about $72.00 as listed above rather than the current $46.00

 

WALLINGFORD Paying the piper

As published in the Record Journal Sunday May 5, 2013

EDITORIAL

Kevin Markowski’s above-placed editorial cartoon hits the nail on the head (or, if you prefer, delivers “shattering” news).

Echoing Wednesday’s news story (R-J, 5-1), Wallingford Town Council voted unanimously to increase its annual mayoral salary by $12,000 at a budget workshop, April 30. In Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr.’s $147.94 million budget proposal for the next fiscal year, he perpetuated his salary at a figure that has been static since at least 2002: namely, $73,140.

If this increase comes to full fruition (pending final approval hurdles while surviving potential flaming budgetary veto hoops), Wallingford’s mayor would eventually be paid $85,140 annually. Whether Dickinson wants it or not doesn’t change the fact that he deserves salary improvement. Moreover, the chief administrative post itself is worthy of a salary realignment.

In our editorial of April 8, Dickinson received a nod for reserve through self-denial. His is a disciplined, unselfish response to budgeting during adverse economic fiscal seasons.

Still, compensation of $85,140 (though a distinct betterment) keeps Wallingford in a stubbornly noncompetitive zone among municipal peers. Whether in the fullness of time or more immediately, salary adjustments should be made to keep remuneration commensurate with posts held. Whether city manager, town manager or, say,superintendent of schools, municipal salaries would do well to have reasonable basis of comparison.

Thus, it’s gratifying that councilors would also like to see the mayor’s pay incrementally increased to about $130,000 over time.

Why?

We’ve noted that the overarching consideration extends to a time when this mayor is no longer officeholder, whether by his choice or future election results. To attract top quality candidates, Wallingford may need to up its ante by around $60,000 annually, give or take. An eventual new chief executive must not be “compared” in a pejorative light of requisite salary differential (i.e. what “used to be acceptable” vs. what no longer cuts fiscal mustard).

It’s said that comparisons are odious but inevitable. Here, then, are a sobering few: As of 2011, the following annual salaries were paid — Southington Town Manager Garry Brumback, $149,000; Meriden City Manager Lawrence J. Kendzior, $139,000; Michael Milone, Cheshire Town Manager, $131,350.

At this budget-planning juncture, Wallingford seems poised to advance in the right direction, even if by relative baby steps vis-à-vis municipal apples-for-apples salaried counterparts. Paying the piper for a quality tune represents prudent investment in the town’s future.

Wallingford Town councilors plan to raise mayor’s salary gradually

As published in the Record Journal Friday May 3, 2013

By Andrew Ragali
Record-Journal staff
aragali@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2224
Twitter:@AndyRagz

WALLINGFORD — While town councilors successfully voted to increase the mayor’s salary Tuesday night, some believe the position’s salary still needs to be increased more in coming years.

A unanimous vote cast by the Town Council Tuesday night brought the mayor’s annual pay to $85,140. Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr., a Republican, kept his salary at$73,140 in his proposed budget for the next fiscal year — a figure that has not changed in about 12 years.

Councilors voted to increase the mayor’s salary by $12,000. The increase will go into effect after Dickinson’s current term ends because, under the Town Charter, an incumbent mayor’s compensation cannot be changed during his or her term.

Councilors would like to see the mayor’s pay incrementally increased to about $130,000,which they see as more in line with similar positions in similar municipalities. Democrats argue that they need to be able to attract qualified candidates to run against Dickinson, while Republicans want to attract qualified candidates once Dickinson decides to step down.

“I’m content with what occurred if the plan is to continue to do so until it’s brought up to a reasonable number,” Town Councilor Jason Zandri, a Democrat, said Thursday. Zandri is a candidate in the upcoming mayoral race. Dickinson has yet to announce his candidacy.

Zandri said the “smart way to do it” would be to gradually raise the mayor’s salary over the next four or five terms. A term lasts two years. A smart salary range for the position is between $135,000 and $140,000, Zandri said.

As of 2011, Southington Town Manager Garry Brumback was paid $149,000 per year; Meriden City Manager Lawrence J. Kendzior was paid $139,000 annually and Cheshire Town Manager Michael Milone earned $131,350 per year.

Zandri said the Town Council is hampered by the fact that past councils haven’t voted to change the mayor’s salary over the previous 12 years.

Town Council Vice Chairman Vincent Cervoni, a Republican, said he had a brief conversation with Dickinson urging him to accept the raise.

“We’d like to gradually bring it to more-competitive pay,” Cervoni said.

Dickinson has argued that accepting raises sets a bad example. Cervoni said Dickinson acknowledged that the raise wasn’t for him personally, but for the position. Reached by phone on Thursday, Dickinson declined to comment.

With leaders in similar-size towns being paid almost twice as much as Dickinson, Town Councilor Tom Laffin, a Republican, said, “We’ve got to do something to incrementally raise the mayor’s salary.”

Town Councilor Craig Fishbein, a Republican, said that the mayor’s salary needs to be increased incrementally instead of all at once because “we don’t want a shock to the system.”

“The position deserves a raise,” Fishbein said, adding that in 2004 the Town Council attempted to raise the mayor’s pay but Dickinson vetoed the budget, voiding the increase.

Wallingford’s plan for a senior center walking trail still in budget

As published in the Record Journal on Friday April 26, 2013

By Andrew Ragali
Record-Journal staff
aragali@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2224
Twitter:@AndyRagz

WALLINGFORD — Town officials are questioning why $1 million was set aside in Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr.’s budget to construct a walking trail connecting the senior center to the Quinnipiac River Linear Trail by Community Lake Park.

The proposed capital project has drawn the ire of some who say the walking trail is a“questionable amenity” for residents during tough economic times. Town Engineer John Thompson said the project will beautify Hall Avenue in a manner similar to work done 12 years ago on Quinnipiac Street. Plantings and period lighting will be added. Directly connected to the streetscape project is a 2,400-foot walking trail from the senior center to the parking lot at Community Lake. Thompson said the project will cost the town just over $2 million. About $1 million has already been raised through previous budget appropriations, with the final million coming from a reimbursement grant recently awarded by the state.

“I didn’t talk to all the seniors, but I can tell you the response made to me by Executive Director Bill Viola is ‘We would like the opportunity to get from the senior center to the Linear Trail,’ ” Thompson said.

Town Councilor John Le-Tourneau, a Republican, said he is “adamantly against” the project. While LeTourneau said the walkway is a “good project for good times,” he doesn’t believe stable economic times have arrived. He’d rather see the money used for streetscape improvements on Quinnipiac Street.

“This is such an unworkable trail behind the senior center, it defies words,” LeTourneau said.

“Coercive terms”

LeTourneau has sided with School Roof Building Committee Chairman and former Town Councilor Mike Brodinsky, who wrote an op-ed piece in the April 21 edition of the Record-Journal criticizing the project.

“This trail is a strange priority,” Brodinsky wrote. “The mayor has elected to pass on additional infrastructure improvements in favor of a new, niche amenity few will use.”

Brodinsky said in his piece that Dickinson merged the Hall Avenue streetscape project with the construction of the trail purposely, forcing the Town Council to fund the trail if they wanted Hall Avenue beautified.

Dickinson “has warned that if the council had any interest in upgrading Hall, it would have to accept the construction of the new trail, because ... well, because he says so,” Brodinsky said.

In late 2011, the Town Council voted 5-4 to allow Thompson to apply for the $1 million grant. By that vote, Brodinsky said, the Town Council accepted a “combo application” including the walking trail and the Hall Avenue project. Therefore, Brodinsky said, town councilors accepted Dickinson’s “coercive terms.”

But Dickinson said the entire project has been a long term priority.

“It’s meant to be an improvement to that entire area,” Dickinson said. “It’s been a focus for a project years in the making. It should be something everyone can enjoy.”

Thompson said Thursday that to win the $1 million grant it was necessary to combine the Hall Avenue and walking trail projects. Both projects have been linked since 2005, when the town did the design work concurrently, Thompson said. The federal grant program, administered through the state, sought projects that included transportation alternatives, such as a walking trail, Thompson said.

“They both fall under the broad transportation blanket,” Thompson said.

Thompson, who said he is friendly with both LeTourneau and Brodinsky, understands that not everyone is as passionate about the project as he is.

“In all honesty, there are people who are not for this,” he said. “I think it’s going to be one of the most attractive trails in the area.”

The $1 million grant is a reimbursement, Thompson said, meaning the town must front $1 million through capital funding until the state and federal governments pay out the grant money. Thompson said the process of winning the grant was highly competitive, and he doesn’t want to see the money lost. If the Town Council should decide not to go forward with the project, the grant money would be awarded to another town, he said.

“I understand what they are saying,” Thompson said of the project’s critics. “However, if the town of Wallingford said we don’t want this money, what would happen is my friend (Meriden Public Works Director) Bob Bass would say ‘We’re ready to take it.’ ”

“A huge mistake”

Members of the Quinnipiac River Linear Trail Advisory Committee and advocates of the trail from the senior center, including Dickinson, met Monday to work out a response to Brodinsky’s Sunday op-ed piece. Thompson said Dickinson suggested visible support. Thompson said a petition is being put together, and a band of supporters will be at the May 6 budget hearing that will address the issue. State Rep. Mary Mushinsky, (D)Wallingford, has also submitted an op-ed piece to the Record-Journal countering Brodinsky’s opinion.

“If we don’t use the grant money, someone else on that list will get it,” Mushinsky said Thursday, adding “It would be a huge mistake on the town’s part” to let the grant slip away.

Mushinsky said the $1 million grant “is a major deal to get,” adding that surrounding municipalities such as Meriden would be “happy if we screw this up.” She asserts that the senior center trail has been a part of Wallingford’s Linear Trail plan since designs were first put together in 1999.

Town Council Chairman Bob Parisi, a Republican, said he’s supported the project from its inception, but added that he is “a little concerned about the economy and stress and strain on money” it presents. Still, he said, “You either take the grant money or someone else will.”

Vincent Cervoni, a Republican and vice chairman of the Town Council, said he gets the impression “there are enough members of the public who would look forward to the opportunity” of using the walking trail to justify its existence.

Town Councilor Jason Zandri, a Democrat, agreed, although he said he doesn’t like that the town has to front the $1 million for the grant.

“While I wish there was a way to not put money up and wait, we have to,” he said.

The Town Council will vote on the budget on May 14.

Dickinson budget attracts discussion

As published in the Record Journal on Thursday April 11, 2013

By Andrew Ragali
Record-Journal staff
aragali@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2224
Twitter:@AndyRagz

WALLINGFORD - The Town Council held a public hearing Wednesday night on Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr.’s proposed budget.

The public hearing gave residents their only chance to publicly question town employees and officials on Dickinson’s proposed $147.94 million budget for 2013-14, which represents a 1.94 percent, or $2.81 million, increase over the current budget. The council offered no opinion on the budget during the hearing, instead withholding questions for budget workshops that are held with each town department over the next month.

Only four residents asked questions during the hearing, with most of the questions asked by Bob Gross. Of the 46 entities that were budgeted for and available for comment on Wednesday evening, questions were only asked of 12.

One of the more contentious topics of discussion came about when the government access TV budget was opened for discussion. Gross asked about putting town meetings online.

“Why isn’t this being accomplished?” he said.

“It’s not being done because it hasn’t been approved to be done,” Dickinson responded. “We’re not doing it. It means more cost, and we’re not doing it.”

Dickinson said that as long as the state requires the town to provide DVDs upon request, meeting videos won’t be put online. Dickinson also argued that more people can be reached through television anyway.

Gross responded that it being 2013, “the Internet would be the easiest way to reach most people.”

“You are wrong,” Dickinson said. “Most people have televisions. There are large portions that are not going to be on the Internet, but most own televisions.”

Scott Hanley, manager of the government access station, said he estimates it costs about $20 in staff time to make a DVD for one resident.

During discussion of the mayor’s portion of the budget, Gross said that he hopes the Town Council will raise the mayor’s salary.

Dickinson, mayor since 1984, makes just over $73,000 and hasn’t taken a pay increase in more than a decade.

“Whoever the mayor is deserves a salary greater than $73,000,” Gross said.

Dickinson wouldn’t comment Wednesday.

Also discussed were the Police Department, Board of Education, Program Planning and Planning and Zoning.

Town Planner Kacie Costello, asked if the town is moving forward with refurbishing lower downtown, said that “it’s hard to say at this time” whether the Incentive Housing Zone will be approved. The IHZ is a state program that creates an overlay zone, in this case over several areas in downtown Wallingford, that includes zoning restrictions written to attract developers.

Even if the IHZ isn’t approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission, Costello said she’s going to try to encourage development downtown.

The mayor’s proposed budget will next be discussed tonight, with the focus on the Board of Education, in a special council meeting at Town Hall. The meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium, will give town councilors a chance to look closely at and question the Board of Education’s budget. Members of the public will not be allowed to ask questions at this meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING on the 2013-2014 BUDGET

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

Special Town Council Meeting

WEDNESDAY

APRIL 10, 2013 - 6:30 P.M.

Town Council Chambers

PUBLIC HEARING

on the

FY 2013 – 2014 BUDGET

AGENDA

1. Pledge of Allegiance

2. Roll Call

3. PUBLIC HEARING

Ambulance/EMS Transport Fund
Animal Control

Board of Assessment Appeals
Board of Education
Board of Ethics
Board of Selectmen
Building Department

Cafeteria
Capital Appropriations Reserve
Capital and Non-Recurring
Capital and Non-Recurring Fund
Civil Preparedness
Conservation Commission
Contingency Account

Debt Services

Economic Development Commission
Employee Insurance and Other Benefits
Engineering Department

Finance Department
Fire Department
Fire Marshal

Government TV

Health Department

Inland Wetlands
Insurance-Property & Casualty

Law Department
Library

Mayor

Parks and Recreation
Pension Fund
Personnel, Pensions, & Risk Management
Planning & Zoning
Police Department
Probate Court
Program Planning
Public Utilities Commission
Public Works Department

Registrars of Voters

Six-Year Capital
Social Services Contributions

Town Council
Town Clerk

Utilities –Electric, Water & Sewer Divisions

Veterans Service Center

Youth & Social Services Bureau

Zoning Board of Appeals

Invite - Informational Forum on State Budget

Senate Minority Leader John McKinney

Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore Len Fasano

State Representatives Al Adinolfi and Vin Candelora

Host an Informational Forum on the Connecticut State Budget

Monday, March 18th 7PM – 8:30PM

Wallingford Public Library

Community Room

200 North Main Street • Wallingford

Event is open to the public

For more information, contact: Peggy Deschenes at Peggy.Deschenes@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-1421

Christopher F. Diorio
Senate Republican Office
Public Affairs
Legislative Office Building, Suite 3400
Hartford, CT 06106
Direct- (860) 240-8801
Fax- (860) 240-8306
chris.diorio@cga.ct.gov

Cuts in state aid to towns ‘inevitable,’ House speaker says

As published in the Record Journal, Saturday January 12, 2013

By Ed Jacovino

Journal Inquirer

HARTFORD — State aid to towns is going to be cut when lawmakers pass a two-year state budget this spring, the new speaker of the House of Representatives said this week.

“It’s inevitable that there are going to be some cuts,” House Speaker J. Brendan Sharkey said in an interview with the Journal Inquirer. “I hate to say that. I’ve been a longtime advocate for protecting cities and towns and Boards of Ed from cuts in funding from the state.”

Sharkey, D-Hamden, who took the gavel as speaker when the legislative session started Wednesday, said cities and towns shouldn’t be surprised. They were spared cuts in each of the last two budget years, as lawmakers raised state taxes significantly but sought to avoid similar property-tax increases, he observed.

“I don’t think it’s news to any cities and towns and boards of education out there,” Sharkey said. “They all are very appreciative of the fact that we’ve done as much as we have to hold them harmless for the last two years.”

Lawmakers are facing projected deficits of more than $1billion in the roughly $20 billion state budget in each of the next two years.

Sharkey said the state should work with towns to “mitigate the impact” of any cuts.

The biggest grants to towns are for schools, through the $1.9 billion Education Cost Sharing program. Others are payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT grants, in which the state reimburses towns for state facilities such as prisons and airports along with other tax-exempt property, like universities and hospitals. There are a number of smaller grant programs as well.

Municipalities say cutting state grants to them means property-tax increases aren’t far behind.

“You’re transferring the state budget problems onto cities and towns and the property tax,” James Finley, executive director of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, said Thursday. His group of mayors and first selectmen is going to oppose any cuts, he said.

While Finley said he’ll look to block reductions in municipal aid, he acknowledged cuts could be a bargaining chip towards the state eliminating requirements he calls “unfunded mandates” that cost towns money.

An example is a requirement to pay a “prevailing wage” for construction projects that cost more than a certain amount. Finley has been pushing for years to increase the threshold — exempting more projects from the requirement.

“Right now we’re not willing to say that we’re going to agree to municipal cuts without understanding what other efforts might be made to reduce municipal costs,” Finley said.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, a Democrat and former mayor of Stamford, has boasted that he closed a state budget deficit two years ago without cutting payments to municipalities. Instead, Malloy and the Democrat- controlled legislature increased state taxes and negotiated concessions with state employee unions.

Finley said that, after conversations with Malloy, the prospects for towns this year aren’t good.

“This is the first year that he hasn’t given us an unequivocal, ‘I’m not going to cut you guys.’ That’s a cause for concern,” Finley said.

Malloy, however, is still staying neutral on the issue. He has said he doesn’t “intend” to raise state taxes.

Warning from Wallingford mayor despite budget surplus

As published in the Record Journal Tuesday January 1, 2013

By Laurie Rich Salerno
Record-Journal staff
lsalerno@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2235

WALLINGFORD - The town more than doubled its operating surplus for fiscal year 2011-12 over the total from the previous 12 months, closing out the year $1,682,000 under budget, according to an annual audit.

Still, even though the town closed out in the black, Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. warned that looming state and federal budget cuts could be a problem.

“Given what’s going on at the state level and the federal level … there could be a reduction of services,” Dickinson said. “At what point in there is the town going to need to pick up those previously funded services?”

Dickinson and Comptroller James Bowes presented the results of an audit done by Blum Shapiro of West Hartford during an annual end-of-theyear press conference Friday. A handful of town councilors were there, as well as some town staff.

Wallingford’s total operating budget for 2011-12 was $141,448,848.

Bowes said the surplus was primarily the result of two major factors: a mild winter that required little in the way of supplies, equipment and overtime costs for snow and ice removal; and a municipal revenue sharing grant the town received from the state to plug some of the financial holes created after the state ended a longtime program that gave cities and towns money in exchange for not taxing machinery. The town had approved its budget for the year before the new grant was included in the state’s budget, and had planned to lose the $800,000 it ended up receiving.

Bowes said he was unsure whether the state would be providing a similar grant in the coming year.

In other increases, the town’s tax collection rate was a bit higher than budgeted, Bowes said.

But there were losses, as the town’s interest revenue continues to decline. It earned about $100,000 less in interest in fiscal year 2011-12 than in previous years, Bowes said.

Bowes said the fiscal picture was in doubt at times during the year as the town waited to hear if it would receive reimbursement money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for Hurricane Irene and winter storm Alfred.

“If the federal government doesn’t come through with FEMA … it can swing you from a healthy year to a loss,” Bowes said.

The town eventually received the reimbursement it sought.

The surplus, $1,682,000, will go into the town’s general fund.

“The credit ratings agencies like to see that you have funds in reserve, that you are not on the brink of borrowing money whenever anything occurs,” Dickinson said.

But Democratic Town Councilor Jason Zandri said he’d like to see the roughly $1.7 million surplus go toward improving parking in the downtown area.

“This is like found money,” he said. “Rather than putting it into the general fund — where it almost never comes out — why not utilize it?”

Republican Councilor Craig Fishbein said he supported putting the money away to prepare for possible cuts in state aid.

“We have to protect our taxpayers,”he said. Democratic Councilor John Sullivan said he was pleased to see a surplus in tough economic times. “Most people should be happy,” he said.

And as for putting the money away or spending it, Sullivan said money should be saved because there is “too much uncertainty” at the state and federal level.

“We don’t know if what was funded this year will be funded next year,” he said.

The audit Friday also covered the town’s utilities. The Electric Division saw a net loss in the 2011-12 fiscal year of $565,000, which Bowes said was anticipated and due mostly to power purchase costs. The Sewer Division also had a net loss, of $230,000, which Dickinson attributed to the values of its equipment depreciating. The Water Division had a surplus of $436,000.

Dickinson was pleased but cautious.

“We’re holding our own,” Dickinson said. “We’re able to address the needs of the community, but again this current year had a tax increase; that’s a reality that goes along with good finances.”

Wallingford Town Council passes budget by 6-3 vote

As published in the Record Journal Wednesday May 9, 2012

By Laurie Rich Salerno
Record-Journal Staff
lsalerno@record-journal.com
203-317-2235

WALLINGFORD — After more than a month of sometimes contentious budget workshops, the Town Council passed Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr.‘s $145.1 million budget Tuesday night with comparatively little conversation.

The 2012-13 budget reflects an increase of $3,669,201 from that of the current fiscal year and will raise the town’s tax rate to 25.98 mills, up 0.76 mills. When presenting the package in early April, Dickinson said a resident who owns a house assessed at $191,000 will now pay $145 more each year in property taxes.

The mayor blamed the tax increase on an overall poor economy in an interview after Tuesday’s meeting. He said reduced state and federal revenue — along with little growth in the town’s grand list, fewer fees for construction permits and lower interest rates on investments — amounted to significantly less revenue for the town.

“All of those things contribute to not as much money — we’ve had to reduce staff, cut back on a number of areas in expenditures. So far I don’t see a change in that, which is troubling,” Dickinson said. The final vote was 6-3 in favor of the budget. Republican Councilors John LeTourneau, Craig Fishbein, and Democrat Nicholas Economopoulos voted against the budget. Fishbein and Economopoulos had said they planned to reject it due to philosophical differences. LeTourneau, following the meeting, said he had voted no in error during a lengthy list of roll call votes.

Passage of the plan, along with an ordinance the council unanimously approved earlier in the meeting, established an enterprise fund for the town’s ambulance service. The move separates the emergency transport service’s finances from those of the Fire Department, and calls for putting a second town ambulance into service during 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

The measure has been warmly received by town councilors of both parties since Dickinson presented it in April.

“This is a fantastic proposition, setting it up to be as self sustaining as much as possible. It’s absolutely needed when you consider the aging population of the town,” said Democratic Councilor Jason Zandri.

Some residents called into question the new ambulance division’s stated plans to start enlisting a collection agency to retrieve funds from non-paying customers. Currently the Fire Department has only a billing service.

“We’re hitting these people who can least afford it,” said Wes Lubee during a public hearing on the ordinance during the meeting, saying that people who aren’t paying are uninsured, and that insurance companies likely negotiate prices to less than the uninsured pay. “We cannot operate with a system that is based on only billing insurance companies,” Dickinson said. “If we do that, insurance companies will not continue to pay.”

Councilors removed a $1,000 addition that they had previously approved in budget workshops for Internet in the Planning and Zoning Department with an amendment proposed by Republican Tom Laffin. Many said that they believed in providing greater Internet access for town staff, but that $1,000 is not enough for a real effort in that direction.

“This is like shooting a single flare into a cave,” said Republican Councilor Vincent Cervoni. “This isn’t the appropriate way to get technology into Town Hall.”

Asked by Sullivan whether he would allow an earmarked $1,000 to be used for Internet access in Planning and Zoning, Dickinson said he would not.

Several councilors said they planned to pick up the issue later on, citing interest in establishing a five-year plan for technology. The amendment passed 7-2, with LeTourneau and Fishbein as the no votes.

Laffin received strong pushback when making a second amendment to cut the other addition councilors had made to the budget, having the R Band play at the town’s Fourth of July celebration. The performance would cost $5,000 — the money would not be an addition to the budget, but use most of a $6,000 savings provided by a low bid on portable toilets already budgeted at a higher rate for the event.

Councilors voted Laffin and Cervoni down 7-2 to retain the band.

“This is our nation’s birthday,” Fishbein said. “That’s important to me, and a traditional thing that we’ve done for many decades.”

Wallingford council OKs $1,000 for planning office online access

As posted online on MyRecordJournal.com Tuesday April 17, 2012

Posted: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 12:41 pm | Updated: 1:08 pm, Tue Apr 17, 2012.

Russell Blair

WALLINGFORD – The Town Council approved an appropriation of $1,000 to add internet access to the Planning and Zoning office, but whether or not the Internet is set up will be decided by the mayor.

During a budget workshop for the department, Acting Town Planner Kacie Castello said that having the Internet in her office would increase efficiencies.

“Email would be extremely helpful,” Castello said Tuesday. “A lot of state agencies communicate via the Internet.”

Currently, Castello and other town offices without Internet access have to go to the Program Planning office on the third floor of Town Hall to conduct business on the web.

The proposal to add the money passed by a 5-4 vote, with Republican Councilors Craig Fishbein and John LeTourneau joining Democrats John Sullivan, Nick Economopoulos and Jason Zandri to approve the funds. Republicans Robert Parisi, the council chairman, Rosemary Rascati, Thomas Laffin and Vincent Cervoni opposed the funding.

LeTourneau said he was concerned that Castello and Linda Bush, the former town planner, were using home computers and personal email accounts to conduct town business.

“That’s crazy, not in this day and age,” he said.

Wallingford Superintendent Menzo defends lacrosse

As published in the Record Journal, Friday April 13, 2012

By Russell Blair
Record-Journal staff

WALLINGFORD — School Superintendent Salvatore Menzo defended the inclusion of lacrosse in the 2012-13 school budget during a Board of Education budget workshop before the Town Council Thursday.

The school board received $614,000 less than what it had requested in Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr.’s budget proposal, but when it comes to possible cuts, the board has remained firm in its commitment to lacrosse. Republican Town Councilor Craig Fishbein was critical of adding the sport at the two high schools, at the expense of other items, in tough economic times. “When you get less than you ask for, and you promise that you’re adding lacrosse ... I have a problem,” he said. “The economy stinks. I think sometimes people don’t realize that.”

But Menzo said Wallingford Youth Lacrosse, the town’s youth club program, has shown that a high school program for both girls and boys would be sustainable. Members of the group were in the audience Thursday.

“I’m personally committed to lacrosse,” Menzo said. “They followed the process appropriately. We have a responsible to teach at all levels, some of the best lessons learned outside of the classroom.”

Adding junior varsity lacrosse for boys and girls at Lyman Hall and Sheehan would cost $81,058 in the first year. The second-year cost is expected to be $66,932.

Lyman Hall and Sheehan are the only schools in the Southern Connecticut Conference without lacrosse teams. An estimated140 students would be involved town wide.

Menzo said that the inclusion of lacrosse was not at the expense of staff jobs. The budget does call for the reduction of 11 teaching positions, but those jobs are being cut due to declining enrollment, he said.

Board of Education Chairwoman Roxane McKay, a Republican, said the school board supports the addition of the sport.

“All nine board members support this program,” she said. “There’s a lot of ways that people get educated. This is a component of education.”

McKay said the district is losing local students to private schools that have lacrosse programs.

Earlier Thursday, councilors expressed concern over the cafeteria budget, which projects a deficit of more than $200,000 being covered by a fund balance. The cafeterias are self-sustaining, but may require a subsidy from the school board beginning in the 2013-14 school year. Republican Vincent Cervoni asked Food Service Director Sharlene Wong to explain a trend of deficits in the cafeteria budget.

“Since 2008, we’ve had a downturn in the economy. We’ve had difficult times in terms of balancing revenues and expenditures,” Wong said, adding that state and federal mandates limit what foods can be sold, hurting a la carte sales. After a number of budget workshops, the school board sent Dickinson a proposed budget of $90,188,048, an increase of 3.91 percent, or $3.4 million. Dickinson countered with $89,573,916, a 3.2 percent increase representing $2.8 million in additional funding.

The council will continue budget workshops next week.

Wallingford Town Council to host budget hearings

Posted on the Record Journal Website: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 1:06 pm | Updated: 1:12 pm, Wed Apr 11, 2012.

Wallingford Town Council to host budget hearings

Mary Ellen Godin
Record-Journal

@Record_Journal  #Wallingford @CConnBiz

WALLINGFORD -- The Town Council will host a public hearing tonight on Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr.'s $145.1 million budget proposal.

The proposed spending plan is a 3.2 percent increase over last year's total spending and if approved, will come with a 3 percent tax hike.

Wallingford Officials to discuss necessity of uptown police officer post

As published in the Record Journal, Tuesday April 10, 2012

By Russell Blair
Record-Journal staff
rblair@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2225

WALLINGFORD — Republican Town Councilor Craig Fishbein believes stationing a police officer at the corner of Center and North Main streets is a waste of taxpayer dollars, and says he will raise the issue at Wednesday’s public hearing on the 2012-13 budget.

Last month, Fishbein requested under the Freedom of Information Act the duties, hours and compensation paid to officers who work at the uptown intersection. Police Chief Douglas Dortenzio said at the time he believed the position was covered under the police union contract, but a letter from Lt. Marc Mikulski to Fishbein says it is not.

“The specifics of this post are not mentioned in the current Wallingford Police Union Local 1570 Collective Bargaining Agreement,” Mikulski wrote in his response to Fishbein’s request.

Dortenzio, chief since 1990, declined to comment on the position Monday, but said last month that an officer working at the corner predated his time on the job and the primary responsibility of the post was to assist school children in crossing the street. The officer is also available to handle service calls.

Dortenzio said he would address the matter further on Wednesday.

Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. said Monday that he believed the settlement of a grievance filed by the union many years ago led to an officer maintaining the post. He said the decision to assign an officer there was a judgment for the chief to make, and he heard people say they like seeing an officer uptown.

Fishbein said he thinks that the electronic crossing signs at the intersection are enough, and he didn’t think anybody is needed at the intersection to assist the schoolchildren. He would like to see the officer reassigned until the need for someone at the intersection is established. But Republican Councilor John LeTourneau disagreed.

“I like having the officer there, especially when the kids are crossing,” LeTourneau said. “I think it’s too big for a crossing guard. It’s a main intersection; there’s always a lot going on.”

LeTourneau, who owns Wallingford Lamp and Shade on Center Street, said having an officer there helps keep an eye on what’s happening uptown and downtown.

Democratic Councilor Jason Zandri, who has several young children, said he doesn’t think the “walk/don’t walk” signs are enough.

“I don’t think it’s enough for small children,” he said. “They look both ways, but then they walk out into the street.”

But Zandri that he believes a crossing guard could do the same job for less money. Of the people he’s talked to, he says about half support the officer on the corner and half think it’s a waste of money.

“I think if people understand the cost, we should leave it,” he said.

According to Mikulski’s letter, an officer is at the corner from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. The post is filled Monday through Friday, but not during the summer or school holidays. Officers rotate to cover the intersection.

Wednesday’s public hearing on Dickinson’s proposed budget is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the auditorium of Town Hall, 45 S. Main St.

Councilors want say on fireworks, but they’ll have to meet with mayor

As published in the Record Journal Tuesday April 11, 2012

By Mary Ellen Godin
Record-Journal staff
mgodin@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2255

WALLINGFORD — They might be from different political parties, but the town councilors who founded the Wallingford Fireworks Fund joined Tuesday in the hopes of getting more say in choosing vendors for the annual Fourth of July display.

Democrat Jason Zandri and Republican Craig Fishbein wouldn’t accept the explanation by Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. that only the Parks and Recreation Department could handle vendor negotiation and the purchasing process.

“Without a formal process it could unravel as quickly as it came together,” Dickinson said. “You can’t have multiple people representing the town.”

Dickinson added that he knew of no other organization that allows event planners to negotiate contracts on behalf of the town. Town Council Chairman Robert Parisi, a Republican, said he understood the liability and logistical reasons behind Dickinson’s stand, but he said he could see Zandri’s and Fishbein’s point. Parisi even agreed with Democrat John Sullivan that the interested parties need to meet in the mayor’s office and settle the matter.

“The fund would like to have some input,” Parisi said. “They want to hear the final negotiation and bless it. When you’re into it, you’re taking ownership. You want to have a little bit of yourself in it. I share their passion.”

Zandri and Fishbein started the Wallingford Fireworks Fund in 2010, the year the town dropped funding for the $30,000 celebration from its budget. The nonprofit organization has raised enough money to pay for the show in each of the last two years.

Until this year, Zandri has negotiated quotes with vendors. He said the arrangement allowed certain flexibility on costs, through discounts from the vendor, and room to accommodate last-minute donations that could improve the show.

This year, the town has been seeking quotes without Zandri, who said the price and the quality of the show could suffer if he can’t be at the negotiating table.

“I’m looking for that flexibility,” Zandri said. “I want to try to figure out how to do that.”

Fishbein disagreed with Dickinson that other groups don’t hire vendors, and he pointed to Celebrate Wallingford. He also asked when the town would ever contribute to a fireworks display that draws 10,000 people versus a symphony concert and other events that bring in fewer people.

Zandri also said he wanted to extend the fundraising deadline to allow more contributions to make a better show, but was told by Dickinson that a range on costs could be written into the contract, and that the need for police and fire service demanded a deadline.

Other councilors, including Republican Thomas Laffin and Sullivan, said the Town Council isn’t the proper place for airing the grievances. They said the parties should meet in the mayor’s office to reach a partnership agreement with the Parks and Recreation Department.

In other business, the Town Council approved several appointments to boards and commissions and set a public hearing for April 24 on a 2012 Small Cities Community Block Grant, an ordinance concerning food service establishments, changes to sewer and drain ordinances, and a restriction on employees contracting with the town.

Dickinson

Zandri

Fishbein

Photos courtesy of the Record Journal

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To balance Wallingford budget, mayor had to dip into rainy day fund

As published online at MyRecordJournal.com

By Mary Ellen Godin
Record-Journal staff
mgodin@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2255

WALLINGFORD — The mayor’s proposed budget for 2012-2013 includes adding $4.3 million from the rainy day fund to maintain services without costing taxpayers more.

“It helps balance the budget,” said Finance Director James Bowes. “It’s considered a tax savings while helping provide services.”

It’s not unusual for Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. to use surplus funds to cover shortfalls in other areas. This year those shortfalls are created by a $5.2-million increase in department requests, fewer state and federal grants and unfunded mandates, Dickinson said at a budget presentation Monday.

Had he not dipped into the fund, it would have meant another 1-mill increase for taxpayers or drastic cuts in services. As proposed, the budget comes with a .76-mill increase to 25.98 mills.

The rainy day or surplus fund now has $14.8 million, or $10.5 million if the budget is approved, Bowes said. The town works to keep more than $9.8 million in reserve to maintain its AAA credit rating, Bowes said.

But town councilors are worried about rebuilding the rainy day fund in 2013-2014 when town employees who did not get raises this year have wage increases negotiated for next year. A large concern is teachers, who are set to receive close to $2 million over the next two years. Three other unions representing managers, clerical staff and police and fire department employees are also in negotiations and could be in line for two-percent wage hikes.

“With eight, nine percent unemployment, you have everyone functioning like everything is normal,” Dickinson said. “Wages should be tied to the private sector.”

Town Councilor Jason Zandri said the rainy day fund can be likened to a personal savings account. If mortgages and utilities increase and a person continues to dip into it, it’s going to wither.

”You’re taking more out of the bank and eventually run out of that savings,” said Zandri, a Democrat. “You need to put it in every day.”

Town Councilor Nicholas Economopoulos said the fact that the rainy day fund had to be used to pay for existing services shows that this budget challenged Dickinson, a Republican.

“He’s definitely aware of it,” said Economopoulos, a Democrat. “He has his back against the wall. He has a challenge to make it more efficient and accountable. We may have to turn to fire and say, we can’t do it for you,” he said referring to plans to build a new firehouse.

Town Councilor Craig Fishbein, a Republican, said the rainy day fund is designed to cover shortfalls in the budget and prevent tax increases, but he’s more worried now.

“As I pointed out last year, that money is dwindling,” Fishbein said. “You don’t have that money next year to pad the budget.”

The most effective way to replenish the rainy day fund is through the town’s grand list, Bowes said. This year’s grand list growth generated $900,000 at the current tax rate. A residential and commercial real estate market that’s slowly stirring back to life could boost revenue, he said. But there is no magic bullet.

“It’s a multi-faceted question and there is no one answer,” Bowes said.

The town’s residential and commercial tax burden doesn’t fluctuate wildly even after revaluations, he said. In 2010 commercial property values dropped from 65.1 percent of the town’s tax burden several years earlier to 64.18 percent. In 2011, it was 64.05. Commercial and industrial property owners picked up slightly more of the burden in 2010 and 2011, but personal property or equipment taxes declined due to depreciation.

“Businesses have to replace those assets with newer assets at a faster clip,” Bowes said. “That’s a large component.”

Businesses moving in and moving up also help that number grow. The town also has to see some return of state and federal grants, instead of one- or two-year programs that evaporate leaving the town to support new hires, or new programs, Dickinson said Monday.

Fishbein said the town needs to take another look at agencies and programs it’s sending checks to and stop paying the state $70,000 a year for bus service, among other changes.

Economopolous said it might be time to say no to large projects such as the fire station, while Zandri said it’s time to review agreements with local non-profits for payments in lieu of taxes.

Budget proposal will be posted online

This story was published in the Record Journal on Tuesday April 3, 2012. The Record Journal already has the budget online and I have a link to it in a prior post. As you can see from the expedited way the newspaper was able to get their hands on a printed copy, scan it in, and post it online inside of six hours that it would take the town no time at all to do the same with the digital copies of the segments of the budget book that they already have. 

By Mary Ellen Godin
Record-Journal staff
mgodin@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2255

WALLINGFORD — After announcing his $145.1 million 2012-2013 budget proposal, Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. announced that the 150page document will be available online.

The decision is a reversal of Dickinson’s earlier opposition to the idea, when he doubted many residents would view the document and questioned whether it might occupy technical staff’s time.

Dickinson said Monday that making the document available on the town’s website was the least of the town’s concerns. Despite his recognition that more people are gaining access to information online, he still feels it is one more burden on the town.

“We’re dealing with another thing that absorbs staff and time,” Dickinson said. “There are still people without the Internet.”

Dickinson did not say when the document would be posted online. The budget proposal was not online Monday evening.

The longtime debate over the use of Internet technology has heated up in recent years as Town Councilors and former employees have made it public that only two computers in Town Hall have Internet access, putting a strain on some employee functions. Town Council members are split on Dickinson’s hard line against technology in Town Hall.

Democratic Town Councilor Jason Zandri was incensed to learn Monday morning that Dickinson would be announcing the budget Monday afternoon. Zandri, who works in Manhattan, had no way to get to the announcement in time.

“Due to this situation, I will not be able to attend the press conference,” Zandri stated in an email to Dickinson’s office.

In a later phone interview, Zandri said putting the budget online would allow him to review the document from his computer. Instead, he has to send someone to pick it up. An online budget proposal could help bring people to the upcoming public hearings and save money in printing costs.

“If this was posted now, people could open it up and start looking it up,” Zandri said. “Here’s an example of technology in the office that’s a cost savings.”

According to officials in the Finance Department, the town spent $1,500 to print 200 copies of last year’s budget. The office provides copies to the Wallingford Public Library and the town clerk’s office for the general public. It also mails about a half-dozen copies to those who can’t get to Town Hall.

Finance Director James Bowes said he still has to send out the printed budgets and make them available to the public. He hasn’t determined how many he will print. But when it comes to allowing technology, if a department can prove a need, Dickinson will approve it.

“It’s absolutely a good thing,” Zandri said when he heard the mayor was going to upload the spending plan. “It gives the appearance of transparency. Now the public can look that up and ask informed questions at the public hearings.”

Wallingford Mayor William Dickinson's 2012-13 budget

As provided by the Record Journal

DIRECT PDF DOWNLOAD