Hebron Dollars & Sense

Issue #21: There are clear, irrefutable violations of the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission rules and regulations occurring frequently from the Hebron school district.

Today, an email was sent out to targeted parents by a teacher, using municipal resources, on municipal time, in an effort to influence budgetary matters.

The past polls have been clear (see results by using the pull down menus on the polling page.) 

According to the budget presented at the March 4th BOS Meeting, the Open Space contribution has  been cut  by $30,000, despite the 1999 town meeting vote that 1/2 mil be annually contributed to that fund. Last year's contribution to Open Space was $130,000; this year's requested contribution is $100,000, a 23.08% reduction.  That contribution, like all other aspects of the town budget, is subject to further reductions by the Board of Finance, but at this point, there is still a proposed $100,000 contribution to the Open Space Land Acquisition Fund on the table for FY 2010-11.

The Library budget is pennies, and our town library functions significantly from the efforts of the Friends of the Douglas Library. 

With time running short, it's time for a new poll, and it's a tough question:  The town budget is coming in a 0% increase, in line with the BOS/BOF request.  Let's say the BOE comes in with a 0% increase, but still includes all-day Kindergarten, a non-required program.  Will you support that budget?  Vote now!

Issue #20:  Think it’s expensive to live in Hebron?? One of the most experienced and respected statisticians in municipal budgets, Bill Generous of Windsor, has shared not only a summary of his database study (which has also been used by CCM), but has also weighed in specifically on Hebron for us.  He clearly states:  4.80% is the annualized effective tax rate change for Hebron over the last 10 years.  Compared to the median of 3.57% for CT towns, Hebron has experienced an additional 1.19% per year for the last 10 years.  5.47% is the median Fiscal Year 2008-09 property tax burden as a percent of income for dwellers in single family houses in Hebron. A weak economy and high unemployment will continue to put pressure on elected officials and voters to limit spending increases this year. 

Issue #19:  The Board of Education is seeking YOUR input.  So are the Boards of Selectmen and Finance.  Please make the time to let them know how you feel.

Issue #18:  The declining population at the elementary schools has a long-term effect on both the Hebron BOE and RHAM budgets.

We have recently received the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) data for anticipated school children at the Hebron schools.  It’s important to understand the effect of this declining school population on the current and future budgets for both Hebron and RHAM schools.