Portland Budget Released to Board of Selectmen

The following is a press release by the Portland First Selectwoman's office dated Feb. 28:

The First Selectman’s Proposed 2012-13 Fiscal Year Budget was issued last week to the Board of Selectmen. The proposed budget is available in the Town Clerk’s Office, the Portland Library and it is posted on the Town of Portland’s website: www.portlandct.org.

Highlights include the following:

Grand List (Revaluation Year):

• Total Value: $799,052,514 (The Grand List decreased by 6.7% ).

Note: The Grand List value is an estimate and subject to change based on pending appeals.

• Value of one mill: $799,053 (a decrease from $856,550 for Fiscal Year 2011-12)

Revenues Needed:

• Taxation: 30.77 mills: +2.02 mills due to the Grand List Revaluation Adjustment (approximate) +0.6 mill for 2012-13 Budget - proposed level of spending
• All other revenues: $6,052,760 (+$224,008 from 2011-12)
• Allocation from Fund Balance: $300,000 (no change from 2011-12)

Expenditures:

• Total: $30,512,290 (+$696,489) (2.3% overall increase over 2011-12 adopted budget)
• General Government increase: +$338,105(2.9% increase over 2011-12 adopted budget)
• Board of Education increase: + $358,384 (1.98% increase over 2011-12 adopted budget)

Accomplishments 2011-2012:

• Completed the Grand List Revaluation.
• Construction in progress for the Brownstone Avenue Project Phase III – Park Pavilion.
• Replaced roof on Portland Library.
• Obtained $560,000 Small Cities Grant, and the use of $140,000 of CDBG program income, for a total of $700,000 for Quarry Heights renovation.
• Obtained $230,000 STEAP grant for the Goodrich property on Route 17.
• Installed new water and sewer utilities billing system.
• Used State LOCIP funding to replace guide rails.
• Completed construction on the grant-funded streetscape project along Main Street.
• The High Street Water Main and the Water Tank Refurbishment Projects were completed and funding obtained.
• Successful cleanup by Town crews from Storm Irene and Storm Alfred.
• Completed the Level A Mapping Project.

Goals and Objectives 2012-2013:

1) Continue careful use of all Town funds, while addressing our needs.

    a) Hold public workshops to address citizen input and a clear understanding of our fiscal needs to run the town.

    b) Pass a budget on the first referendum.

    c) Pursue appropriate grant opportunities.

2) Work with the Board of Education to maintain and improve our schools.

    a) The Selectmen and the Board of Education will continue to meet regularly with the Finance Director, who manages the finances for both the General Town Government and the Board of Education.

3) Continue to increase economic development.

    a) Assist & oversee the Portland Town Place project.

    b) Assist with new businesses planned for the town.

4) Improve our Parks.

    a) Complete Brownstone III at the Riverfront Park.

    b) Plan improvements for the Goodrich property recreational complex.

5) Continue the planned improvements to the water and sewer systems and town-owned roads.

    a) Analyze the water system and review goals.

    b) Review the needs of the Sewer system.

    c) Discuss needed road improvements.

6) Continue work on the Town’s Energy Plan to reduce costs and increase energy efficiency.

7) Promote & support our well-run fire, emergency and police departments, public works, library, health, senior and youth services.

    a) Discuss ongoing Policing needs in the town.

    b) Maintain our Emergency Management Program.

        i. Continue training and recognition of the Community Emergency Response Team.

    c) Pursue grants for increased youth services.

    d) Continue to support responsive library services, thereby providing opportunities for enrichment and education to citizens of all ages.

    e) Assist with the needs of the town’s seniors.

    f) Discuss ongoing needs of our Fire Department.

    g) Work with the Long Range Capital Commission concerning the funding of capital needs.

    h) Work with the Chatham Health District on Public Health information and services.

Please attend the Public Hearing on the proposed budget on Tuesday, March 6, at 7 p.m. in the Portland High School Auditorium. In order to meet the requirements of the Annual Town Budget Meeting on May 7 and the May 14 referendum, the Board should adopt the budget no later than April 14.