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Too Much Latitude

On April 19, Clinton held a poorly communicated public information meeting about a proposed $7.1 million bond resolution that will be on the same ballot with the 2017-’18 budget on May 10.

The resolution lumps five projects—bridge repairs, harbor dredging and repair, school roofs, sidewalks, and a Public Works fuel farm—all into one all-or-nothing resolution.

After taking much heat for similar all-in-one resolutions, the previous first selectman promised to break future resolutions into components parts.

Doing so allows voters discretion to approve some projects and to say “No” to others. In December 2014, breathing apparatus for the fire department passed; infrastructure projects were narrowly defeated and were brought back and passed in May 2015; and an artificial turf field was soundly defeated, not to be proposed again.

In May 2015, bridges were included in the $4.2 million resolution, but not a penny was actually spent on bridges. When projects are lumped together, it gives officials too much latitude to shift funds between projects, overspending on some and starving others. Now voters are asked to approve bridge spending again.

The proposed resolution doesn’t specify amounts to be spent on each component. Unless the resolution specifies what is to be spent on what and voters are given the choice to say “Yes” to some and “No” to others, they must say “No.”

Clinton taxpayers are facing a $4.7 million or 11.4 percent increase in taxes if the budget approved by a 4-to-2 vote April 12 after the public hearing passes on May 10. Increased debt service accounts for $898,884 or 19 percent of the tax increase that is no longer discretionary. Once voters approve bonding projects, they are a 20-year sentence in increased taxes.

I encourage your readers to note “No,” “No,” and “No” May 10.

Kirk Carr

Clinton

Kirk Carr serves on the Board of Finance.