The town budget (not including education spending) would increase 1.26 percent under the proposal presented by Town Administrator Kathleen Buch on Tuesday night to the Board of Selectmen.
In total, the proposed budget would increase by $588,452, to $47,424,286.
To support the proposed budget, Buch estimates that the mill rate for the town would have to be 16.40, or an increase of 0.6 mills, with 67 percent of the proposed tax rate resulting from education expenses. Buch stressed that the calculation for the mill rate is based on the Grand List for 2015, since the Grand List for 2016 has yet to be finalized.
First Selectman Jayme Stevenson also reminded attendees that the estimated mill rate should be viewed as a “gross generalization.”
The budget includes two new full-time positions, four new part-time positions, and reductions in pension and retiree medical costs.
Some areas would increase well above 1.26 percent: Buch’s proposal calls for increases of more than 2 percent for Darien Library (up 3.52 percent over last fiscal year), Operating & Personnel Services (up 2.86 percent), and total debt service (8.59 percent).
The town administrator’s proposed budget will be voted on by the Board of Selectmen, likely with some changes; then it goes on to the Board of Finance, which may make further changes and consider the Darien Public Schools budget as well, and finally the Representative Town Meeting will get the town and education budgets and make the final decision on setting the mill rate..
When creating a theme for this year’s budget, Buch said that “A Time of Growth” seemed appropriate because of multiple large redevelopment plans for downtown Darien and the Noroton Heights business district “that will now generate increased revenue, but first require investment.”
Buch described the budget increase as “moderate” and detailed where the town would find savings. The cost of full-time police patrols, for example, has been reduced by $60,865 due to the number of retirees being replaced by new recruits. Rate reductions can also be found in dental insurance (down $76,270), school bond principal payments (down $219,000) and school bond interest payments (down $270,627).
And although education remains the largest component of the town’s debt service, the proposed budget for that expenditure would decrease by 6.37 percent to $7,193,667.
In terms of increase, Buch’s budget is proposing a 15.21 percent hike in legal counsel due to contract negotiations that are set for next year, as well as a 53.07 percent hike for contingency, which Buch described as “deceptive” because $400,000 was the original budget set in fiscal year 2017, but the revised amount was reduced to $380,612. Buch added that while contracts were built into contingency for FY 2017-18, none are built in for FY 2018-19.
Buch also detailed what she described as “ambitious” plans for the town in the upcoming fiscal year that would include a generator (which she said was planned for last year before funds were reallocated), re-evaluation, and renovations to the basement of the Darien Public Schools Headquarters at 35 Leroy Ave. to help relieve the overcrowded office and meeting space at Renshaw Road.
Buch added that she’s received numerous requests to refurbish the aging murals that decorate Town Hall, since “They’re all from the Depression era.” There are also plans for renovations to the building to make it more handicapped accessible.
Other proposed projects include fulfilling the Noroton Heights Fire Department’s request to convert its building to gas heat, a vehicle fire simulator for the fire departments, and the dredging of sediment ponds outside of Town Hall and at Upper Gorham Pond.
Buch concluded that to enable growth in Darien, the town “must expend some of its resources to ensure that the projects meet appropriate codes and regulations.”
The Board of Selectmen will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 25 to further review the budgets for the following departments: Board of Selectmen, Town Administration, Finance, RTM, Treasurer, Tax Assessment, Tax Collector, Legal Counsel, Probate Court, Human Resources, IT, Registrar of Voters, Town Clerk, Beautification, Celebrations and Harbor Master. The meeting will take place at 5 p.m. in room 119.
