Volume 22, Number 9
BOE implements cuts By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
"Unfortunately this is where we are. It's a sad day for us. We've had people speak and say stand your ground, we don't have ground to stand on ... because we don't have control after we send the budget out,” Board of Education Chairman Matthew Tencza said. “We only get to make these decisions and Berlin Superintendent of Schools Brian Benigni speaks there's not one good decision on there. Every single at the April 15 Board of Education meeting. one of those decisions im| Devin Leith-Yessian, The Citizen pacts the students at the end." increase over the current constitute a $2.2 million year, below the nearly $1 rise in town spending. The After the school board corresponding mill rate inpassed its $46.2 million bud- million in contractually mandated compensation crease of 1.36 mills would get request in February, a 6 increases for employees bring the rate to 33.86 percent increase in funding and rising special educamills, a $238 increase in over the current year, the taxes on a home assessed Board of Finance voted to re- tion costs. at $175,000. move half of the $2.6 million A referendum is schedincrease, followed by anoth- uled on the budget for The largest reduction the er $400,000 reduction by the Tuesday, April 30 for the school board looked at Town Council. That leaves school and municipal the district with a $900,000 budgets, which together
See BOE, A4
FLY & BUY R210746
program
*The program is available for a limited time and is subject to change at any time without notice.
Manufacturer leaving Berlin for Missouri By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
Cuts to special education, athletics and teaching staff were laid out by the Board of Education on Monday, April 15 as members sought to enact steep reductions in its budget request by the Town Council and Board of Finance.
y your we will pa h our airfare wit
Thursday, April 18, 2019
www.berlincitizen.com
After almost 60 years producing industrial cleaning machinery in town, Jensen Fabricating Engineers is moving to Springfield, Missouri as part of a consolidation effort by its parent company. The facility, located at 555 Wethersfield Road, employs around 35 people, some of whom will be offered a position at the Springfield facility and assistance with moving. Jason Fulp, company spokesperson, said the move is part of a consolidation between the Berlin-facility and JRI Industries, which acquired Jensen in 2013. The company announced last month that it would be rebranding under the name Jenfab Cleaning Solutions and moving the Berlin operation to its new 60,000 square-foot headquarters. “By further consolidating its operations, Jenfab can maximize its manufacturing efficiency as well as improve the service and quality of its products,” said a press release from Jenfab.
We will reimburse buyers within the US up to $2,000 USD toward their travel expenses when they purchase and close on a home in Estero, Bonita Springs or Naples, Florida with William Raveis Real Estate - South Bay Team within 6 months of their visit.*
CALL US TO LEARN MORE AND TO SCHEDULE A FLY & BUY APPOINTMENT!
239.221.0741
Jenfab creates washing machines used to clean parts and tools for manufacturing use, including automotive, aviation and bio-medical. Fulp said production in Berlin is scheduled to wind down by the end of May. The building will be handed back over to the land owner by the start of August, once machinery has moved to Springfield. Berlin Economic Development Director Chris Edge said he hopes to work with employees who are staying in the area to help them find jobs with other manufacturers. “My biggest concern is the employees not moving,” he said. Edge has also reached out to the property owner to assist in finding another tenant, possibly another manufacturer. “You can get raw materials to your location relatively easily with the highway,” he said. “We’re still in a great position. This was just a corporate decision.” dleithyessian@ record-journal.com 203-317-2317 Twitter: @leith_yessian
John Egan & Lesley Garlock South Bay Team Over $52M SOLD in 2018 southbayteam.raveis.com