www.plainvillecitizen.com
Volume 20, Number 18
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Voters OK town, school budgets
Opponents of a bill to repeal Connecticut's religious exemption for required school vaccinations march down Capitol Avenue in Hartford Tuesday, April 27 before the State Senate passed the legislation.
By Devin Leith-Yessian Record-Journal staff
Plainville voters approved a nearly $1 million spending increase for the town government and school system, though officials believe they can stave off a tax hike by using reserve funds.
Mark Mirko/Hartford Courant via AP
The $23.6 million municipal budget for the next fiscal year was approved Tuesday, April 27 by 377 voters, with 90 ballots cast in opposition, while the $39.8 million Board of Education budget received 359 votes in favor and 106 votes against. According to the town clerk’s office, only 4 percent of registered voters cast a ballot, which is less than usual. Town Council Chairperson Katherine Pugliese said she feels the results show voters think the budget successfully balances maintaining services and keeping spending down. “We are in great shape. Plainville is in a good spot in terms of what we can do next year and again we’re very, very cognizant of the pressure Plainville and other towns face,” she said. Much of the $957,761 spending increase is offset by the use of the unassigned fund balance, effectively the town’s savings account.
Martin: No ‘adequate rationale’ for religious exemption bill Connecticut will no longer allow a religious exemption from childhood immunization requirements for schools, colleges and day care facilities, becoming the sixth state to end that policy. The legislation was signed into law Wednesday, April 28 by Gov. Ned Lamont, hours after the Democratic-controlled Senate passed the bill late Tuesday, April 27.
“Proud to sign this bill into law to protect as many of our school children as possible from infectious diseases as we can,” Lamont stated. Republican Senator Henri Martin, who represents Bristol, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth and Thomaston, spoke in opposition to the bill, HB 6423, and shared the following statement after casting his no vote: See Bill, A14
Though spending will be increasing, Town Manager Robert Lee believes the town will avoid a mill rate increase and keep taxes flat for residents for a second consecutive year. Along with the use of the unassigned fund balance, he’s anticipating that the town’s allotment of state education grants could increase by $200,000.
District selects two new principals
“I think it’s pretty safe to say we’re probably going to get that additional $200,000,” Lee said.
Atterrato will replace current Toffolon Principal Lynn Logoyke, who will retire in June.
See Budgets, A21
Alicia Atterrato, currently Elementary Math and Science Instructional Leader for Plainville Community Schools, has been named the next principal of Louis Toffolon Elementary School, and Middle School of Plainville Assis-
tant Principal Aimee Roberts has been named the next principal of the Middle School of Plainville.
Roberts will take over for Matthew Guarino, who also will retire at the end of this school year. Atterrato and Roberts begin their new roles July 1. See Principals, A5
36 Whiting St, Plainville
833.4BHDOCS
240546
Primary & Specialty Care