Wondering how Greenwich avoided a 6% tax hike and got 2.8% instead?
- Guy
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
We have heard much complaining from public school administrators and parents that the Greenwich school budget was cut and that Republicans are to blame. These cuts will have dire consequences they say.
To be clear, the Greenwich public school budget was not cut. The schools requested an increase of $12 million, 5% more than last year. Instead, they received an increase of $8 million, 3% more than last year. This was $4 million less than they hoped for, but an increase nevertheless.
At the end of the day, the Republicans, held the increase in the mill rate to 2.8%, in line with inflation, compared to almost 6% that would have resulted if the Democrats had their way. Here is what each side had to say:
The Republican members of the BET in a letter here claim their efforts reduced the proposed tax increase from 6% to 2.8%. How? The spending levels in the proposed budget requested by the town and the public schools were above inflation, in particular the public schools were requesting a large 5% increase of $12 million.
On the capital projects side, funding for all vital town and school capital projects were retained including Riverside Elementary School, Shore Road sidewalks and cafeteria expansion at Julian Curtiss.
The Democrat members of the BET wrote a letter here claiming this budget result is not just a fiscal miscalculation but a profound betrayal of the community's trust. The budget enacted recklessly disregards the pressing needs of our town and the process was a travesty. The budget enacted dismisses safety improvements, preparedness for future storms, necessary infrastructure, recreational projects, and even critical teachers may be let go.
They claim the current economic climate, with its inherent uncertainties, demands a measured and strategic approach to budgeting. Instead, the Republicans have displayed ideological rigidity, a disregard for sound financial planning, and a prioritization of fleeting tax reductions over the enduring health of our community.
Between the Lines - This was not a budget cut but an increase in spending in line with inflation. Seems like a good result for both the public schools and Greenwich taxpayers in general. What is all the fuss about?