Budget Workshops for Town Departments Scheduled

Beginning this month, Town departments will present their preliminary 2012-2013 budgets to the Board of Finance for revision and approval. 

The review process is already underway, with roughly half of North Haven's municipal departments—including the Board of Selectmen, Public Works, and the Fire Department—having put forward budgets between January 17 and January 21. 

On February 11, the Board of Education and the IT Department will share their planned expenses with the BOF.

Four days later, the Police Department and Town administrators—such as the Registrars, the Town Clerk, and the Assessor—will round out the workshops.

While more news on the Town-side budget, which includes all municipal expenses minus Education, can be expected at Thursday night's Board of Selectmen meeting, the Board of Education has already put forth a proposal calling for a nearly 3% increase in school spending—a marked bump from 2011-2012's 1% raise. 

The budget North Haven will put to referendum will not be finalized until March 21, according to information provided by the Town. 

A full schedule for North Haven's 2012-2013 budget is attached to this article. 

What remains to be seen is if the general public will take a greater interest in this year's budget process than it has in the past. Despite some vocal opposition to the 2011-2012 budget regarding education spending, the referendum passed by 312 votes, with a turnout of under 10%. 

What are your feelings about the Town budget this year? What needs more funding, and where do you propose cuts?