The Town of Greenwich budget process began on Tuesday January 28.
First Selectman Camillo presented his $523 million Town operating budget, an increase of +4.3%. Presentation here.
Highlights of the Town's capital budget of $50 million, include $2 million to fund design work to renovate the Riverside School with construction budget of $48 million planned for next year, renovations at Julian Curtiss and Hamilton Avenue Schools, $1.2 million to fund phase two of sidewalks on Shore Road, $600,000 to purchase electric leaf blowing equipment (as required by the new noise ordinance), added fire trucks and equipment, infrastructure (paving, highway maintenance and stormwater drainage) and Greenwich Cove channel dredging.
Public Schools Superintendent Jones presented her $202 million school budget portion of the total $523 million total Town budget, an increase of +5.1%. Presentation here. District enrollment is relatively flat at 8,513 students. However, the number of special education teachers (e.g. English language, special needs) have increased significantly and general ed teachers have declined.
Between the Lines - Bottom line, the proposed mill rate is expected to increase 3.95% and property taxes are expected to rise 5.25%. Ouch.