Volume 19, Number 7
www.berlincitizen.com
Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Residents oppose cuts to Berlin school budget By Charles Kreutzkamp
Parents, teachers, and students spoke in favor of a larger increase to the Board A crowd of more than of Education budget, repre100 came to McGee Middle senting the majority of comSchool April 8 to weigh in ments from the public. One on this year’s proposed $80.2 business owner also spoke million budget, represent- in favor of keeping taxes low, ing a tax increase of 1.4 mills. saying businesses in Berlin The Town Council trimmed are stressed enough. This year’s budget is the the proposed budget substantially from the original $81.4 first where debt service for the Berlin High School renmillion request. The Berlin Citizen
Legislators discuss budgetary priorities As debate and work on the state budget continues, some legislators are working on restoring funding for the veterans’ honor guard and for state parks. “Whether you are cutting the budget or not, it’s always an interesting situation. You can call it painful or all those other terms,” said Sen. Terry Gerratana (D), whose district includes Berlin. “We are start-
ing at a disadvantage because the budget is out of balance.” Rep. David Yaccarino (R) thinks the state is in a difficult budget position that will force unfortunate cuts. “The governor put us in this position,” said Yaccarino, who serves North Haven. Gerratana said it is too soon to tell whether legislators will be forced to make cuts they would prefer not to. “It’s about priorities,” she See Legislators / Page 3
| Charles Kreutzkamp / The Berlin Citizen
Council to seek public’s input on golf course By Charles Kreutzkamp
sue, for which there will be a public hearing. The proposed renovations include a substantial update to the driving range At the Town Council meeting April 8 the that would feature heated stations for use council considered issues ranging from fee during the winter months as well as exwaivers for area events to the next step for tending the range to allow the use of larger updates at Timberlin Golf Course. At press clubs. Rasmussen said the council should hear time, the council had not set a date for an from residents at the hearing. “I am not expected public hearing. Deputy Mayor William Rasmussen (I) comfortable at this point deciding for the voted in favor of preparing bonding doc- town that we should not do it.” Earlier in the meeting town resident Aluments for the renovations at Timberlin. These documents are required by charter in order for the council to vote on the isSee Golf / Page 4
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By Charles Kreutzkamp
ovation project will be making a significant impact. This year that project alone is responsible for $2.2 million, equal to 1.07 mills, representing one dollar for each $1,000 of assessed property value. “Cutting teaching positions takes away support for our students,” said Berlin High School teacher David Bosso, Berlin High School teacher David Bosso was the first to speak at the annual budget meeting April 8.
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