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FREE! Budgets Go To Ballot By Linda Tishler Levinson As the governor and the Legislature continue to debate the state budget, towns in North Central Connecticut are preparing for budget votes of their own. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has proposed a state budget that increases in taxes and depends upon $1 billion in state employee union concessions, which are still being negotiated. It also calls for consolidation of some state agencies. Legislative Republicans have proposed an alternative budget, which calls for no tax increases, but a reduction in the number of managers among state employees. Malloy has also presented an alternative state budget should he not get concessions from state workers. That plan calls for drastic cuts in aid to cities and towns. Ellington “Unfortunately for us, it won’t be settled until we have to come up with our own budget,” Ellington First Selectman Maurice Blanchette said, adding that an Educational Cost Sharing cap, which has been proposed, will really hurt a growing town like Ellington. “It’s a very, very difficult year,” he said. Right now, he said, town officials are looking for places to make cuts in the budget. “In many areas, it will be assuming a higher level of risk,” Blanchette said. The total town budget proposal for the 2011-2012 fiscal year is $47,633,805, an increase of $1,930,736 or 4.22 percent
Running the Rapids Karen and Roger Carlson of Enfield maneuver the rapids during the Hockanum River Canoe & Kayak Race in Vernon on April 10. The Carlsons placed second out of six in their classification, mixed recreation canoe - 2 paddlers - male/female. Butler Photography
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In This Issue • EAST WINDSOR: New superintendent of schools ready for duty ......p. 5 • EAST WINDSOR: Two day art and craft show slated for June ..........................p. 6 • ELLINGTON: Volunteer Ambulance Corp honors members ................p. 8 • THE SUNDAY DRIVE: Journey to Jonathan Edwads winery ..pp. 10-12 • ELLINGTON: Selectman appoints interim public works director ....p. 13 • SOMERS: Rain doesn’t put a damper on fishing derby ..........p. 15
• SOMERS: Five hundred plus attend annual Easter Egg Hunt ....pp. 18-19 • SOMERS: Elementary school to receive solar panels ......................p. 22 • REGIONAL: Liquor retailers easily pas compliance checks..........................p. 24 • STAFFORD: Superintendent to retire after 11 years on the job..............p. 25 • STAFFORD Barron Utter honored for years of coaching service ..............p. 27 • SENIOR NEWS: Images of prom in Somers, E. Windsor programs ......p. 33 • CLASSIFIEDS:....................pp. 37-39
• NEXT ISSUE • DEADLINE: May 25, 2011 (860) 698-0020 www.thenorthcentralnews.com
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