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Vote "No" on Litchfield School Construction
By John A. DeLutio, Litchfield
Once again we are headed down the fast track on the backs of already overburdened Litchfield taxpayers. This time the unneeded proposal for the overpriced school construction will be put before the voters on Thursday, March 14 from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. (If you are unable to get out to vote, absentee ballots are available in the Town Clerk’s office.) What we don't need is still another costly, overpriced "wants" proposal while needs go unattended.
The Connecticut State Board of Education predicts that Connecticut’s public school enrollment will level off in the year 2004 and then begin a downturn. Already, enrollment in Litchfield schools is less than last year. The U.S. Department of Education predicts enrollment in Connecticut public and private elementary and secondary schools will begin dropping by 2005. By 2010 we will see a decrease in enrollment of 5.8% over the first decade of the 21st century.
Are the spenders of this town proposing spending for their "wants" or needs? There’s no doubt in my mind that the current $37.5 million project takes care of costly and unneeded "wants."
Over the past three weeks, the Superintendent of schools, in response to a question about the operating costs of this project, has said $380,000; $500,000; and $400,000. Which is it? Prior to that, the B.O.E. awarded annual salary increases of 5%—totaling $66,565 over three years—to five administrators. When is the last time you received such a raise?
As for a project costing a minimum of $37.5 million (and you can be sure it will cost more), we will receive only 36% in state reimbursement—not 40% as warranted by state standards. Also, the overall net tax rate increase of this project at peak will be 3.16 mills; the impact will be a $316 property tax increase for each $100,000 of net assessment (for $200,000 the increase will be $632; and for $300,000 the increase will be $948). And don't forget the next 19 years. I also have learned that taxes on personal property such as automobiles will increase an average of $50.
Don't worry, folks. It's only money. Please vote "NO" on Thursday, March 14.
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