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The Granby
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Published by Citizens for a Better Granby a non-profit 501(c)3 organization
Volume XLVIII, No. 2 • October 2017
www.granbydrummer.com
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Clock ticks as Oct. 1 deadline nears By Michael B. Guarco, Jr., Chair, Board of Finance Although it comes three months late, in mid-September both chambers of the legislature passed the Republican version of a proposed biennial budget running from July 1 of this year through June 30, 2019. Immediately the Governor threatened to veto it and force all parties to the table. The Democrat leadership in both chambers were unable to secure agreement within their own caucuses for their budget proposal. This led to some members voting for the Republican alternative. Much of the discourse centered on the fact that, despite the two largest historic increases in state taxes occurring since Governor Malloy came into office, the fiscal woes of the state have continued to manifest themselves. They are exacerbated by the ongoing departure of both businesses and people from our state. To a large degree, Oct. 1 has become an important drop-dead date for budget passage. The first installment of the Educational Cost Sharing aid to the towns is supposed to be disbursed. In the Governor’s last proposed allocation plan via executive order, he threatened to greatly reduce—if not eliminate—what funds go to most towns. In Granby’s case, his proposal would have reduced our overall state revenues by $5.4 million—about 97 percent of what we get—an amount equivalent to 15 percent in property tax.
Not seeing this state aid arrive in October will play havoc on municipal budgets. All towns are developing contingency plans on how to handle this fiscal disruption. Although the impact varies from a minor hurt for some towns to pushing some municipalities into insolvency, it makes a great deal of difference whether this state money is simply delayed—or if it is just plain gone. Another reason why the Oct. 1 date is critical is found in all current budget proposals: to increase the taxation of hospitals in Connecticut. A filing with the federal government must be made by that date to attain an offsetting reimbursement to the hospitals through Medicare allowed under federal rules. Under the various budget plans proposed by the legislative caucuses in September, overall municipal revenue to Granby from the state would be relatively close to what was budgeted back in April. This was based upon the Governor’s own state budget proposal introduced to the legislature in early February. The real threat comes from his recent revisions to that proposal that would significantly wipe out our budgeted state revenues. Hopefully, legislative leaders and the governor can get past the rancor and settle upon a final product that does not do major damage to municipal finances and sets the stage for a surer and flatter financial footing for Connecticut going forward. As the axiom goes, “none are so blind as those who will not see.”
Clock ticks cont’d. on p. 2
Revaluations to be mailed mid November By Susan Altieri, CCMA, II, Assessor State Law requires all municipalities to conduct a revaluation every five years. The State of Connecticut requires that Towns perform a revaluation so that all properties can be brought to current market value and contribute an equitable portion of the total tax burden. Granby’s last revaluation was completed in 2012 and the Assessor’s Office has been engaged in the process over the last 16 to 18 months for the 2017 revaluation. The Assessor is in the final stages of reviewing and analyzing the data and has
not completed the final valuations at this time. The Assessor’s office anticipates mailing out the new assessments in mid November and each property owner will receive an individual notice of their new assessment. All property owners will be given an opportunity to attend an individual informal hearing for the purpose of discussing any issue regarding the assessment process and valuation issue. The Assessor’s office will be providing additional information as they near the completion of the revaluation.
Inside Open Farm Day................. 22
Humans of Granby............. 24
Board of Education........... 23
Girl Scout Gold Award........ 35
This little one “nose” a friend when she sees one Open Farm Day was a great opportunity for visitors to get up close to farm animals, as this tot did, at House of Hayes. Photo by Peter Dinella
Frustrations evident at three-board meeting By Shirley Murtha A special Three Board Meeting (Selectmen, Finance and Education) was convened on September 5 to discuss the financial repercussions to the Town of Granby should the state be unable to develop a budget by October 1. As was reported in the September issue of the Drummer, the town would not receive $5.4 million of expected revenue, which would have a great impact on all aspects of town operations and the educational system. The state is currently operating under Governor Malloy’s Resource Allocation Plan (RAP) that became effective July 1. If a budget is not passed by October 1, a revised RAP will go into effect. Town Manager Ward believes that whether it is a legislative-developed budget or a Malloy RAP, there will be some level of reductions and that the town boards should develop plans accordingly. BOS
and BOE freezes on non-essential hiring and discretionary spending have already been instituted. First Selectman Kuhnly noted that Granby is working proactively with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and the Capitol Region Council of Governments to explore possible remedial action. The level of frustration with the state’s inability to pass a budget became apparent as members of the various boards asked questions of Senators John Kissel and Kevin Witkos and Representative William Simanski, who had opened the meeting with their overview of the situation in the legislature. Selectman Sally King described the situation as an “unprecedented mess,” noting that the state is taking away revenue and yet expecting the towns to come up with money to help solve its problems. Selectman Ed Ohannessian said that although we have no control over federal or state government, we do have control
3-board mtg. cont’d. on p. 2
Photos by Peter Dinella