First Selectman Proposes 6.8 Percent Budget Increase

Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw has sent his 2012-2013 budget proposal to the town's Board of Finance (see PDFs).

The budget calls for $4,497,151 in town spending, a nearly 7-percent increase over current spending.

The proposal would increase the town's mill rate from 28.16 to 32.45, the result of a combination of increased town spending, reduction in the grand list due to last year's revaluation and the anticipation of a 2.6-percent increase in school spending (school officials will announce their budget proposal next month).

"Because of the current financial times, the goal was to see as little if any residential increase for the average family," Brayshaw says in a letter sent to the board. "If all of the numbers and assumptions end up as presented that goal will be met."

Despite the increase in the budget's bottom line, the average tax bill in Middlefield would remain flat under the proposal, according to finance director Joe Geruch, who said more of the tax burden will fall on commercial property owners.

Brayshaw is scheduled to present his budget proposal during a public hearing on March 15 at the Middlefield Community Center.

Last year, the finance board reduced his budget proposal by $151,000.