Update: from -Connpolitics.tv (WTNH)
Update 2: More on the cuts headed to cities and towns
Update 3: State’s Budget Problem: No Money -Connecticut Local Politics 

For those who missed this morning’s “In Our Opinion” on that bastion of conservatism, the Norwich Bulletin, they gave another run down on Connecticut’s sorry financial state of affairs.

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/Opinion/x1945271813/Our-view-Democrats-must-stop-budget-games

As is pointed out in the opinion piece, the state is again – or perhaps better said, “still” – facing a budget deficit.  Last week’s headline concerning the governor’s proposal of a 3% cut in aid to towns is only the latest in this year’s cost cutting proposals and is likely not to be the last.   Next year is sure to see more of the same. 

What does this mean for Woodstock?  As previously pointed out, about $200,000 – for the 3% cut and you can probably expect another $100,000 to $200,000 more in the current budget year and next year, at least as much again.  For those with their heads in the sand, no pun intended, Woodstock will have to make up these shortfalls if it is to maintain spending at current levels. 

For those who want to play in the sand, despite what you have been told about current debt service going down and offsetting any new debt cost, ANY monies used for new debt service will have to come from somewhere – education or town government services – there is no other place from which it can come.   The state’s financial picture just keeps getting bleaker so brace yourselves for a significant property tax increase unless town officials pull their heads out (of the sand) and start looking for creative ways to reduce spending not increase it.

Going nearly another $3 million dollars in debt right now is insane.

Dave Richardson