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Friday, April 11, 2014
Budget approved Mil rate to increase 3.4 percent as council splits along party lines
By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER
Town Council approved a $110 million town budget Tuesday for the 2014-15 fiscal year beginning July 1 and set a mil rate of 34.77, a 3.4 percent increase from last year. While all five Democrats voted in favor of the budget, the council’s Republican minority voted against it and the motion passed 5-3 along party lines. “I do not feel confident supVolume 53, No. 64
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porting the mil rate where it stands,” said Dan Dinunzio, one of the three Republicans. “It is going to be a lot for the taxpayers in town.” Dave Nagel, another Republican, called the end result “very trying.” It was a difficult budget season to begin with as the town had contractual obligations to fulfill, including rises in pension costs and health insurance for town and school employees. The numbers fluctuated greatly during the last month-and-a-half of budgetary sessions, making it particularly difficult for councilors to come to a consensus about See DIVIDED, Page 2
ERICA SCHMITT | STAFF
Captains from the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams cut the ribbon on Newington High School’s new tennis courts.
Nothing but love for new tennis courts By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER
Town and school officials along with Newington High School athletes welcomed the addition of nine new tennis courts to the school campus this week. Captains of the boys’ and girls’ teams cut a customary blue ribbon at a formal ceremony Wednesday officially opening the courts, which are now handicapped-accessible. INSIDE:
“I know that I speak for all the boys in my program, as well as for Coach Henne and the girls, as we express deep appreciation to the town and its officials for this beautiful new tennis court complex,” said Don Lukowski, coach of the boys’ team. He was joined by Coach Eric Henne of the girls’ team, Superintendent of Schools Bill Collins, Mayor Stephen Woods and more than a dozen other
town leaders in celebrating the opening. “Students who came before you always complained about deplorable conditions, so I want all of you to be appreciative every day when you’re playing, of the community that supports you,” Dr. Collins told the student-athletes. “This is a special day,” NHS Principal James Wenker added. See NEW, Page 7
Newington resident raising funds so she can volunteer in South Africa. Page 8
Ellen Perkins Simpson
Alpha Delta Kappa continues tradition of helping New Britain’s Friendship Center. Page 9