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WHY YOUR VOTE FOR THE TPZ REALLY MATTERS
In most municipal elections, people do not pay much attention to who gets elected to the Town Plan & Zoning Commission . . . which is unfortunate because they should.
One of TPZ’s most important responsibilities is to create a “Plan of Conservation and Development” (“POCD” or “Master Plan”). However, the “current” Master Plan was created 13 years ago in 2000, and it relies heavily on 23-year-old data from the 1990 U.S. Census – in other words it is woefully out of date. This Plan is critical to what happens with: Subdivisions, Density, McMansions, Affordable Housing, Traffic, Neighborhood Character, Recreational Facilities, Environmental Protection, Shore Management, Residential Property Taxes and more.
The new, updated Master Plan will be critically important to virtually everything that happens to our Town in coming years.
That’s why your vote for the TPZ really matters! Read More
In most municipal elections, people do not pay much attention to who gets elected to the Town Plan & Zoning Commission . . . which is unfortunate because they should.
One of TPZ’s most important responsibilities is to create a “Plan of Conservation and Development” (“POCD” or “Master Plan”). However, the “current” Master Plan was created 13 years ago in 2000, and it relies heavily on 23-year-old data from the 1990 U.S. Census – in other words it is woefully out of date. This Plan is critical to what happens with: Subdivisions, Density, McMansions, Affordable Housing, Traffic, Neighborhood Character, Recreational Facilities, Environmental Protection, Shore Management, Residential Property Taxes and more.
The new, updated Master Plan will be critically important to virtually everything that happens to our Town in coming years.
That’s why your vote for the TPZ really matters! Read More
Water Rates to Rise Only About 6% Instead of 23% for Fairfield Residents
PURA (the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority) has issued its final decision regarding Aquarion’s request to raise water rates by 17% over the next three years, including a 23% increase for Fairfield residents. "Thank you!" to all who wrote to PURA directly. Through FT's 1-Click system, we facilitated 365 emails from residents of Fairfield and seven neighboring towns being sent directly to nearly 50 executives in PURA (the State regulatory authority for utilities), the consumer advocacy arm of CT (OCC), elected leadership in our State who are involved with this issue and selected elected officials in Fairfield. These, coupled with strong attendance at the PURA/Aquarion public hearings, had a big impact on the decision.
The full text of the Final Decision is not yet available, but based on the earlier Draft Decision, it appears that Fairfield residents will pay only about 6% more for their water over the next three years, which is less than the 8.6% overall increase Aquarion has been allowed, because PURA dictated that a larger percentage of the increase should go to systems with lower current rates. Rates for the Northern and Western Divisions are supposed to increase by two times the overall increase, which we believe means that rates in Fairfield’s Eastern Division should be up only around 6%. Fire Protection water rates across all districts, including Fairfield, are supposed to rise by 9%.
Aquarion’s allowed return on equity was reduced by PURA from 9.95% to 9.63%, even though Aquarion had requested an increase to 10.6%.
PURA’s press release on Tuesday noted that: “The evening public comment hearings . . . were well attended. “Many of Aquarion’s customers testified against the rate proposal, and more than 500 customers wrote to PURA, almost unanimously opposed to Aquarion’s rate request.”
Fairfield Taxpayer salutes all of you who attended the public meetings, and who spoke out either in person or in writing on this issue, as well as our state and local government representatives for their efforts to reduce the proposed rate increase. We were very impressed throughout this process by the professionalism of the PURA commissioners and staff, and we would particularly like to acknowledge the excellent efforts of Richard Sobolewski and others at the Office of Consumer Counsel, whose mission statement is copied below.
OCC Mission Statement
The Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC), is an independent state agency with statutory responsibility to represent customers of Connecticut’s five regulated utilities – electric, gas, water, telephone, and to some extent, cable television, primarily in matters that go before the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The OCC is authorized to participate on behalf of consumer interests in all administrative and judicial forums and in any matters in which the interests of consumers with respect to public utility matters may be involved.
The Office consists of attorneys, accountants, financial analysts, and support staff.
http://www.ct.gov/occ/cwp/view.asp?a=1419&q=260490
PURA (the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority) has issued its final decision regarding Aquarion’s request to raise water rates by 17% over the next three years, including a 23% increase for Fairfield residents. "Thank you!" to all who wrote to PURA directly. Through FT's 1-Click system, we facilitated 365 emails from residents of Fairfield and seven neighboring towns being sent directly to nearly 50 executives in PURA (the State regulatory authority for utilities), the consumer advocacy arm of CT (OCC), elected leadership in our State who are involved with this issue and selected elected officials in Fairfield. These, coupled with strong attendance at the PURA/Aquarion public hearings, had a big impact on the decision.
The full text of the Final Decision is not yet available, but based on the earlier Draft Decision, it appears that Fairfield residents will pay only about 6% more for their water over the next three years, which is less than the 8.6% overall increase Aquarion has been allowed, because PURA dictated that a larger percentage of the increase should go to systems with lower current rates. Rates for the Northern and Western Divisions are supposed to increase by two times the overall increase, which we believe means that rates in Fairfield’s Eastern Division should be up only around 6%. Fire Protection water rates across all districts, including Fairfield, are supposed to rise by 9%.
Aquarion’s allowed return on equity was reduced by PURA from 9.95% to 9.63%, even though Aquarion had requested an increase to 10.6%.
PURA’s press release on Tuesday noted that: “The evening public comment hearings . . . were well attended. “Many of Aquarion’s customers testified against the rate proposal, and more than 500 customers wrote to PURA, almost unanimously opposed to Aquarion’s rate request.”
Fairfield Taxpayer salutes all of you who attended the public meetings, and who spoke out either in person or in writing on this issue, as well as our state and local government representatives for their efforts to reduce the proposed rate increase. We were very impressed throughout this process by the professionalism of the PURA commissioners and staff, and we would particularly like to acknowledge the excellent efforts of Richard Sobolewski and others at the Office of Consumer Counsel, whose mission statement is copied below.
OCC Mission Statement
The Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC), is an independent state agency with statutory responsibility to represent customers of Connecticut’s five regulated utilities – electric, gas, water, telephone, and to some extent, cable television, primarily in matters that go before the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The OCC is authorized to participate on behalf of consumer interests in all administrative and judicial forums and in any matters in which the interests of consumers with respect to public utility matters may be involved.
The Office consists of attorneys, accountants, financial analysts, and support staff.
http://www.ct.gov/occ/cwp/view.asp?a=1419&q=260490
Why is July 23 really Nov 5?
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT The REPUBLICAN Caucus on Tuesday, July 23
Yes, the REPUBLICAN caucus on Tuesday. It's not just a "caucus." It is really Election Day! The two winners for the Board of Finance and the two winners for the Board of Education are GUARANTEED to Win in November! (UNDER THE ARCANE RULES IN OUR TOWN CHARTER). That's why July 23 is really Nov 5.
So if you care about who serves on what are arguably our two most important boards, and if you area registered Republican, be sure to come out and vote this tuesday...NOT at your normal voting place, because ALL districts are voting in one place:
Ludlowe High School Lecture Hall
785 Unquowa Rd
Tues, July 23; 4-8PM
For some districts, you will be able to help choose Republican RTM candidates . Click here to review candidates' responses to FT's questions and see their bios.
Note: FAIRFIELD TAXPAYER IS NON-PARTISAN. Democratic candidates for the November elections will be finalized shortly via a closed-caucus within the Democratic Town Council. We will be posting their Q+A responses and Bios on our website well before Election Day
Yes, the REPUBLICAN caucus on Tuesday. It's not just a "caucus." It is really Election Day! The two winners for the Board of Finance and the two winners for the Board of Education are GUARANTEED to Win in November! (UNDER THE ARCANE RULES IN OUR TOWN CHARTER). That's why July 23 is really Nov 5.
So if you care about who serves on what are arguably our two most important boards, and if you area registered Republican, be sure to come out and vote this tuesday...NOT at your normal voting place, because ALL districts are voting in one place:
Ludlowe High School Lecture Hall
785 Unquowa Rd
Tues, July 23; 4-8PM
For some districts, you will be able to help choose Republican RTM candidates . Click here to review candidates' responses to FT's questions and see their bios.
Note: FAIRFIELD TAXPAYER IS NON-PARTISAN. Democratic candidates for the November elections will be finalized shortly via a closed-caucus within the Democratic Town Council. We will be posting their Q+A responses and Bios on our website well before Election Day
Your Guide to 2013 Fairfield Elections
In the coming week, Democrats and Republicans will select their candidates for November's general election. While Democrats and Republicans have different methods and slightly different timelines for selecting their candidates for the November general election, the processes for both are currently under way. This email will help you understand the process for both parties and, to help you make more informed choices, we are publishing candidate's responses to a short list of questions we felt were important to ask. Read More
Aquarion exec fails to douse anger over higher water rates
Top elected officials join residents from Fairfield and surrounding towns to fight Aquarion's proposed 23%, 3-year rate hike. FairfieldCitizen (7/10/13)
Democrats and Republican leadership is reaching out for candidates for elected office
July deadline for becoming a candidate. Read More
Second Aquarion Rate Hearing set for July 9th, 6:30PM at Fairfield Warde HS Auditorium
Read about the SRO June 18th hearing. Fairfield Sun (June 26, 2013)
Fairfield Taxpayer's appeal to citizen action regarding Aquarion's proposed 23% rate hike
What does this mean? Get background on Aquarion. What can you do? Click here to learn (6/14/13)
Fairfield's Water Price History from Aquarion
Fairfield First Selectman encourages citizens to attend hearing on Aquarion's rate hike
Fairfield Taxpayer's ad in the Fairfield Minuteman about Aquarion's proposed 23% rate hike
Fairfield residents received a notice recently from Aquarion Water Company informing us that it has requested approval from the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (“PURA”) for an 18.3% increase in water rates effective in September this year, plus further increases of 1.8% and 1.9% in the following two years, resulting in a total requested increase of 22.7%. See Complete Ad (6/10/13) Email PURA
Aquarion's Proposed 23% water rate hike
Fairfield residents received a letter from its water company, Aquarion, stating it filed with the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) for a 23% rate hike in its per gallon fees - 18.3% coming in the fist year of a 3-year plan. Read the Letter (6/4/13)
United Illuminating Wants 35 Percent Increase In Electric Distribution Rates
The United Illuminating Company (UI) has asked state regulators to approve a two-year plan that would increase its electric distribution rates by $95 million. In a brief filed with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) today, however, Attorney General George Jepsen said that the electric utility’s application should be rejected and, based on the evidence, UI’s distribution rates should decrease, not increase.
Read full story CTWatchDog.com (6/4/13)
Read full story CTWatchDog.com (6/4/13)
A "Thank YOU" from Fairfield Taxpayer
Dear BOS, BOE, BOF, RTM members,
Thank you for listening and responding to the concerns of the many taxpayers in Fairfield who decided to speak out this year on the budget instead of remaining part of the “silent” majority.
Your actions to reduce the 2013-14 mill rate increase to 2.4% have sent a message of hope to many residents that love our town and want to remain here, but who had become increasingly discouraged by spending and tax increases at more than 2.5 times the rate of inflation over the last 14 years, and by the initial proposal to raise taxes next year by 6.4%. Read More 5/8/2013
Thank you for listening and responding to the concerns of the many taxpayers in Fairfield who decided to speak out this year on the budget instead of remaining part of the “silent” majority.
Your actions to reduce the 2013-14 mill rate increase to 2.4% have sent a message of hope to many residents that love our town and want to remain here, but who had become increasingly discouraged by spending and tax increases at more than 2.5 times the rate of inflation over the last 14 years, and by the initial proposal to raise taxes next year by 6.4%. Read More 5/8/2013
2014 Budget Wrap-Up: Where We Ended Up with the Budget (a detailed look at who reduced where)
The 2013 budget season is officially over, except in the unlikely event that someone can, within the next two weeks, collect signatures from at least 5% (~1,850) of all Fairfield voters (~37,000) who support a referendum to challenge one or more line items in the budget.
As you probably know, the original budget proposed by First Selectman Tetreau on February 19th would have resulted in a Fiscal 2014 tax increase of 6.4%. The budget approved by the RTM on Monday night will require a much lower tax increase of 2.4%. Read More 5/7/13
As you probably know, the original budget proposed by First Selectman Tetreau on February 19th would have resulted in a Fiscal 2014 tax increase of 6.4%. The budget approved by the RTM on Monday night will require a much lower tax increase of 2.4%. Read More 5/7/13
RTM trims tax hike to 2.4% after marathon session (It's final. The 2014 budget season is now over)
The Representative Town Meeting, after a marathon session Monday, approved a $278 million town budget for 2013-14, trimming the tax increase to 2.4 percent from 2.64 percent for the fiscal year starting July 1.
The 41-8 vote came just minutes after midnight, and the cuts made over the previous four hours included a $500,00 reduction to Board of Education spending, $250,000 to the road-paving budget and another $250,000 to the budget's contingency account. The RTM also approved reductions recommended by First Selectman Michael Tetreau of $500,000 to debt service and $171,970 for fuel expenditures. Fairfield Citizen (5/7/13)
The 41-8 vote came just minutes after midnight, and the cuts made over the previous four hours included a $500,00 reduction to Board of Education spending, $250,000 to the road-paving budget and another $250,000 to the budget's contingency account. The RTM also approved reductions recommended by First Selectman Michael Tetreau of $500,000 to debt service and $171,970 for fuel expenditures. Fairfield Citizen (5/7/13)
Mr. Tetreau's Press Release: proposed RTM reduce budget growth modestly further to 2.8% tax hike
“We have come a long way this budget season. I want to take a moment to review where we are, how we compare to neighboring towns and the important decisions that face the RTM Monday evening. Read entire press release 5/3/13 Read Fairfield CItizen Article about it 5/4/13
Opportunities for efficiency in the BOE
We present these suggestions for consideration by the BOE and Dr. Title in response to Fairfield’s increasingly urgent need to control the growth in its spending and taxes. It is our understanding that similar significant reductions in administrative costs have been realized in other districts, such as Greenwich, and have helped to fund continued improvement in the quality of academic outcomes. Read More 5/1/13
Where Are We with the Budget and Can We Get Down to a 2% Tax Increase? (as of 4/30/13)
As has been well publicized, the proposed tax increase for Fiscal 14 is down from 6.4% (in the First Selectman's Budget on February 19th) to 3.1%. After the Board of Finance (BOF) budget meeting, the tax increase was briefly down to 2.9%, but on appeal the RTM restored $358,750 in funding for two non-profits, Pequot Library and Fairfield Counseling.... Read More 5/1/13
An Alternative View on “Balancing Town Services and Affordability”
Dear Mr Schwartz,
Thanks to you and everyone else who is willing to take a public stand on the issues, which is the only way that we can advance the public debate and resolve the issues and challenges we face as a community. The points in your letter upon which I would like to focus are the following:
“I . . . will be fighting any further cuts to the proposed budget. The ones already made . . . have cut services below the bone. Fairfield Patch 5/1/13
Thanks to you and everyone else who is willing to take a public stand on the issues, which is the only way that we can advance the public debate and resolve the issues and challenges we face as a community. The points in your letter upon which I would like to focus are the following:
“I . . . will be fighting any further cuts to the proposed budget. The ones already made . . . have cut services below the bone. Fairfield Patch 5/1/13
Balancing Town Services and Affordability
I want to commend my fellow Democratic members of the RTM for their vigilance and perspective at our April meetings. Through emails, phone calls and personal conversations, we communicated with hundreds of constituents about the three appeals of Board of Finance budget cuts (Pequot Library, Senior Center Director and Fairfield Counseling Services), and about the budget as a whole. The RTM restored Pequot's funding by an overwhelming margin. I voted to restore the funding because the BOF cut was unfairly sudden... By Hal Schwartz, RTM Dem Min Leader. Fairfield Patch 4/30/13
RTM meeting comments by Lynne Porter, Assoc Prof of Theatre, Fairfield University (reprinted with permission)
As an educator – a tenured professor at Fairfield University – I urge the RTM to cut the budget for Fairfield’s school system. Yes, you heard that right, an education professional is arguing for a cut in the school budget. The basis for my recommendation is that you cannot equate money with quality when it comes to education. For example, at Fairfield University, after the economy crashed, all departmental operating budgets were cut 10% Read More 4/29/13
Response to Data Cited from CT Post on Fairfield Home Values
At the RTM meeting on Monday, April 22, 2013, a member of the public cited an article from the April 12, 2013 edition of the Connecticut Post, as a basis for suggesting that the pressure on Fairfield’s home prices is perhaps not as great as some, including Fairfield Taxpayer, have feared, both in absolute terms and relative to other towns. We believe this conclusion is both intuitively and demonstrably wrong. Read More 4/27/13
An Open Letter to the RTM - How Do You Plan to Act and Vote?
Dear RTM representative--
Thank you for your service to our town. My wife and I have sadly watched the Fairfield tax situation deteriorate to a point of absolute unsustainability. Read more 4/23/13.
Thank you for your service to our town. My wife and I have sadly watched the Fairfield tax situation deteriorate to a point of absolute unsustainability. Read more 4/23/13.
Analysis of March 1, 2013 Fairfield Daily Voice article
At the RTM meeting on April 22, 2013 an RTM member cited the article published in the Fairfield Daily Voice, as a basis for suggesting that spending and taxes in Fairfield may not have increased by more than 2.5 times the rate of inflation. Read more here.
See How Fairfield's Spending, Taxes Increased Over Time
First Selectman Michael Tetreau's proposed 2013-14 budget includes $287 million in town spending, $107 million more than Fairfield spent 10 years ago. Fairfield Daily Voice 3/1/13
Bud Morten’s Remarks to the RTM on April 22, 2013
Like the majority of surrounding towns, the RTM should hold Fairfield’s tax increase to no more than the 2% rate of inflation. Cutting $2.65 million from the budget will require tough and unpopular decisions. It will require cutting reserves or services or provisions for which there are good arguments against cutting, and in some cases well organized opposition. Read More 4/22/13
Andy Kessler: The Pension Rate-of-Return Fantasy
A serious look at our country's (and Fairfield's) pension problems - and why employees may find it in their best interest to shift to 401a plans. Counting on 7.5% when Treasury bonds are paying 1.74%? That's going to cost taxpayers billions. Andy Kessler, WSJ 4/9/13
Fairfield Taxpayer Responds to Dean's Letter to the Editor
'There is finally a lively and mostly constructive debate in Fairfield about what services we want and can affort'... Fairfield Patch 4/8/13
Letter: Do We Want to Be 'Austerity Town,' or Fairfield?
When the budget was first released, the collective gasp could be heard across Fairfield --a 6.4 percent increase? Even I was surprised. The tea partiers masquerading under the Fairfield Taxpayer Association banded together and fired a volley of raging emails. Fairfield Patch 4/8/13
Op ed by Mr Tetreau: Join the debate: Expense cuts mean service cuts
It has been a month since my initial budget proposal was presented. There has been a lot of discussion since. I thought it would be a good idea to give everyone an update on where we stand. The original budget calls for a 6.4 percent increase in taxes. I agree with those that have voiced concern that this is too high. I am committed to getting this increase in a more reasonable range. I am committed to addressing the elements that cause our taxes to increase both this year and in the future. There is no easy fix. Reducing this tax trend will take both hard work and time. It can't be completed in one year.....Fairfield Citizen 4/3/13
With projected tax hike under 3%, Financiers' budget cuts shelve funds for Pequot Library
The Board of Finance started a final review of town 2013-14 spending Tuesday night with a $281.4 million proposal and called it quits six and onehalf hours later with a budget plan of $279.7 million early Wednesday. The financiers' cuts reduced the projected tax increase to under 3 percent for the fiscal year starting July 1........FairfieldCitizen 4/3/13
Fairfield Board of Finance Reduces Fiscal Year 2014 Budget by $2.6 Million
Fairfield Board of Finance Reduces Fiscal Year 2014 Budget by $2.6 MillionThe Board of Education budget was slashed by $1.25 million and town funding to the Pequot Library was eliminated, among other reductions. The Board of Finance cut $2.6 million from the Fiscal Year 2014 budget early Wednesday, reducing the Board of Selectmen's approved $281.4 million financial plan to $279.8 million.The most recent version of the budget represents at $7.5 million -- or 2.75 percent -- increase in spending over the current year budget. As approved by the Board of Finance -- and accounting for senior tax relief --, the financial plan means a tax increase for Fairfield residents of under 3 percent ..... FairfieldPatch 4/3/13
Save Student Programs by Cutting Central Office Positions
There is no need to cut student programs if the BOE budget is cut. The budget savings could come out of the central office by reducing head-count. This would mean that the Principles and the Superintendent would have to work harder (e.g. on teacher review and curriculum) but that is justified given the budget situation and the need to keep student programs strong..... Fairfield Patch 4/1/13
Neighboring towns showing fiscal restraint and proactively dealing with employee benefits
West Hartford : “The FY 14 budget represents an increase in spending of 1.6%.
Meriden CT: “A slight [1%] increase in the mill rate is necessary to balance the budget.”
Stonington CT: “General Government expenditures only increased 1.1%.”
Trumbull: “I am proposing a modest tax increase of 2.13%.”
Westport: “The overall town budget increase is about 2.5 percent.”
Simsbury: “The proposed 2013-14 budget is 0.5% over last year.”
Greenwich: “Total operating costs for FY 14 should be capped at a 2% increase.”
Weston: “The estimated mill rate increase is 14 cents or 0.58%.”
Windsor: "We must be aware of our residents' ability and willingness to pay"
West Hartford : “The FY 14 budget represents an increase in spending of 1.6%.
Meriden CT: “A slight [1%] increase in the mill rate is necessary to balance the budget.”
Stonington CT: “General Government expenditures only increased 1.1%.”
Trumbull: “I am proposing a modest tax increase of 2.13%.”
Westport: “The overall town budget increase is about 2.5 percent.”
Simsbury: “The proposed 2013-14 budget is 0.5% over last year.”
Greenwich: “Total operating costs for FY 14 should be capped at a 2% increase.”
Weston: “The estimated mill rate increase is 14 cents or 0.58%.”
Windsor: "We must be aware of our residents' ability and willingness to pay"
Press coverage of Important BoF Meeting, Saturday March 23, 2013
http://fairfield.patch.com/articles/hundreds-of-taxpayers-turn-out-for-public-budget-session
http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Budget-forum-Many-decry-tax-hike-others-flunk-4379242.php#photo-4367844
http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/news/article/Budget-forum-Many-decry-tax-hike-others-flunk-4379242.php#photo-4367844
Statement by Bud Morten to the Fairfield Board of Finance on Saturday, March 23, 2013
My conclusions are as follows:
Everyone appreciates the ongoing efforts that have reduced the proposed tax increase from 6.4% to 4.8% -- or from 3.2 times inflation to “only” 2.4 times inflation.
However, tax increases higher than the inflation rate cannot continue; they are steadily eroding Fairfield’s ability to remain a desirable and affordable community for all its residents; they are squeezing our household budgets, hurting our property values and forcing more and more of us to leave Fairfield. The increase in FY 14 should not exceed 2%, the current rate of inflation, which is in line with what towns like Greenwich, Westport, Weston and Trumbull have proposed...... Read More 3/23/13
Everyone appreciates the ongoing efforts that have reduced the proposed tax increase from 6.4% to 4.8% -- or from 3.2 times inflation to “only” 2.4 times inflation.
However, tax increases higher than the inflation rate cannot continue; they are steadily eroding Fairfield’s ability to remain a desirable and affordable community for all its residents; they are squeezing our household budgets, hurting our property values and forcing more and more of us to leave Fairfield. The increase in FY 14 should not exceed 2%, the current rate of inflation, which is in line with what towns like Greenwich, Westport, Weston and Trumbull have proposed...... Read More 3/23/13
FT's initial position on BOE budget
Fairfield’s spending continues to increase at 2.5-3 times the rate of inflation and a significant driver of this unsustainable growth is the education budget (which accounts just over half of the overall town budget). Whenever cuts are proposed that would slow the growth of the education budget and keep it closer to the rate of inflation (something that has been achieved in other large towns like Greenwich and West Hartford), there is an outcry and the effort becomes highly political with people claiming that the performance of the school system will be harmed. Read More 3/23/13
In 10 years time, can you afford your taxes? The choice is OURS
Fairfield’s overall budget has grown 104% cumulatively over the past 14 years, 2.6 times that of inflation which was up 40%. This year’s proposed tax increase is 6.4%, accelerating to over 3 times the inflation rate. Let’s look at what will happen over next 10 years – based on choices WE taxpayers are making. If Fairfield’s annual budget grows like it has historically...... Read More 3/22/13 (Also appeared in FairfieldPatch)
An Open Letter to First Selectman Tetreau from Fairfield Taxpayer
The budget you have proposed – calling for a $15 million increase in spending and a 6.4% increase in taxes for next year – is simply too high. We and the growing hundreds of people who support our efforts feel very strongly that a tax increase of more than three times the rate of inflation on top of cumulative tax increases over the last 14 years at more than 2.5 times the rate of inflation is not sustainable and is doing irreparable harm to our town.
In what remains a very tough economic environment for everyone, high tax rates are squeezing our household budgets, hurting our property values, and forcing a growing number of us to leave Fairfield. Fairfield Minuteman 3/21/13
In what remains a very tough economic environment for everyone, high tax rates are squeezing our household budgets, hurting our property values, and forcing a growing number of us to leave Fairfield. Fairfield Minuteman 3/21/13
Tetreau: 'Substantial Changes' to Come to Proposed Budget
It has been a month since my initial budget proposal was presented. There has been a lot of discussion since. I thought it would be a good idea to give everyone an update on where we stand.
The original budget calls for a 6.4 percent increase in taxes. I agree with those that have voiced concern that this is too high. Fairfield Patch 3/20/13
The original budget calls for a 6.4 percent increase in taxes. I agree with those that have voiced concern that this is too high. Fairfield Patch 3/20/13
Hines Sight / 6.4% more in Fairfield taxes? Are you kidding?
For those of us still reeling from the 2012-13 tax increase, the town administration has just given beleaguered taxpayers more angst -- a proposed 6.4 percent increase in the next fiscal year. To use a common vernacular -- OMG!.....Fairfield Citizen "Hines Sight" 3/9/13
FT POV: THE BUCK STOPS HERE!?
Why are our taxes so high? Because the Buck stops with NOBODY in Fairfield! ....It seems none of our town’s leaders is able or willing to accept
responsibility:
• For the relentless increases in town spending and taxes over the past 15 years at rates two to three times greater than inflation; or
• For making the tough decisions about which services we can continue to afford as generous public employee wages, pensions and benefits continue to drive our spending and taxes higher and higher.....Read More (Download this and share!)
• For the relentless increases in town spending and taxes over the past 15 years at rates two to three times greater than inflation; or
• For making the tough decisions about which services we can continue to afford as generous public employee wages, pensions and benefits continue to drive our spending and taxes higher and higher.....Read More (Download this and share!)
Letter: No Alternative to Cutting Fairfield's Budget
Implementing the proposed property-tax increase would be counter-productive and continue, rather than address, long-term problems faced by the town. I am a strong supporter of the public schools, a registered democrat, and a believer in effective government. Unfortunately, sometimes, effectiveness requires doing less than we want in recognition of economic realities. Now is one of those times. Letter by David Downie, FairfieldPatch 2/26/13
FT POV: Fairfield is in distress because it is becoming unaffordable
Growth in Fairfield's Budget has Nearly Tripled Inflation
Everyone agrees that spending for schools and municipal services (like policemen, firemen, roads, bridges, beaches and parks) is a good thing because it makes Fairfield a great place to live and supports strong property values.
However, as with most things in life (e.g., sun, rain, ice cream, soft drinks and beer), we can also have too much of a good thing. At some point, spending and taxes become too high and unsustainable. Read More (Download this and share!)
However, as with most things in life (e.g., sun, rain, ice cream, soft drinks and beer), we can also have too much of a good thing. At some point, spending and taxes become too high and unsustainable. Read More (Download this and share!)
RTM Delays Vote on Fiscal Year 2014 Capital Projects, Questions Process
Fairfield's Representative Town Meeting postponed a vote Monday on a $1,037,000 bond resolution to finance Fiscal Year 2014's non-recurring capital projects, citing lack of information and a need to review the capital projects process. FairfieldPatch 2/26/13
Also Noteworthy.......
Open Letter to Dr. Title Calls for Thriftiness
As the budget discussion starts to heat up, many people in town including myself are very concerned about the steep increase in the BOE budget Read More
Letter: Don't Let Possible Cuts to School Budget Impact
an excellent letter about potential savings in school budget without cutting teachers FairfieldPatch 1/28/13
Grassroots Group 'Fairfield Taxpayer' Takes Message to the Web
We Launched our site (And Patch noticed)! Fairfield Patch 1/29/13
Fairfield spends just 57.5% of its education budget on Instructional Programs (aka: classroom teaching) - LESS than all five towns in its DGR group of comparable towns and over 4 percentage points lower than the average of 61.7%. Learn more
Promotion/pension flap to be probed by lawyer
Town officials ordered investigation into the Fire Department's pension practices -- boosting their pensions at taxpayers' expense. Fairfield Patch, 1/12/13
Standard municipal pensions for top officials? Some say no
Fairfield continues to negotiate new union contracts hoping to force newly hired workers into 401a programs... Fairfield Citizen, 1/17/13
As the budget discussion starts to heat up, many people in town including myself are very concerned about the steep increase in the BOE budget Read More
Letter: Don't Let Possible Cuts to School Budget Impact
an excellent letter about potential savings in school budget without cutting teachers FairfieldPatch 1/28/13
Grassroots Group 'Fairfield Taxpayer' Takes Message to the Web
We Launched our site (And Patch noticed)! Fairfield Patch 1/29/13
Fairfield spends just 57.5% of its education budget on Instructional Programs (aka: classroom teaching) - LESS than all five towns in its DGR group of comparable towns and over 4 percentage points lower than the average of 61.7%. Learn more
Promotion/pension flap to be probed by lawyer
Town officials ordered investigation into the Fire Department's pension practices -- boosting their pensions at taxpayers' expense. Fairfield Patch, 1/12/13
Standard municipal pensions for top officials? Some say no
Fairfield continues to negotiate new union contracts hoping to force newly hired workers into 401a programs... Fairfield Citizen, 1/17/13
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