TOWN OF TOLLAND Town Council’s Annual Budget Presentation April 27, 2010 and April 28, 2010 – Senior Center FY OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET

Town Charter, § C9-9 - Annual Budget Presentation Prior to the Annual Budget Referendum, the Town Council shall arrange for an Annual Budget Presentation to be held no later than one week prior to the Annual Budget Referendum……At the Annual Budget Presentation, the Council will present the Budget to be voted upon at the Annual Budget Referendum. Prior to such referendum the Council shall have no authority to modify the Budget from that presented at the Annual Budget Presentation. The Annual Budget Presentation is intended to provide information and encourage public discussion, and is in addition to prior public hearings relating to the development of the Budget at which public hearings public comment and participation is encouraged.

Budget Schedule: Important Dates

BUDGET MEETINGS TO DATE 1.Public Hearing on Capital Budget: February 25, 2010 (Council Chambers) 2.Joint Meeting Between Town Council and Board of Education: March 4, 2010 (Tolland High School Library) 3.Special Meeting to Discuss Budget (Community Services including Human Services, Library, Recreation & Adult Education and Public Safety): March 18, 2010 (Council Chambers) 4.Special Meeting to Discuss Budget (Capital Budget and Public Works & Engineering): March 22, 2010 (Council Chambers) 5.Special Meeting to Discuss Budget (Planning & Community Development, General Government and Finance): March 25, 2010 (Council Chambers)

BUDGET MEETINGS 6.Public Hearing on Manager’s Recommended Budget: March 31, 2010 (Tolland Middle School Auditorium) 7.Town Manager’s Recommended Budget (daytime) at Senior Center: April 1, 2010, 12:30 p.m. 8.Special Town Council Meeting – Budget Finalized: April 5, 2010 (Council Chambers) 9.Annual Budget Presentation Meeting: April 27, 2010 (Tolland High School Auditorium) 10.Budget Presentation (daytime) at Senior Center: April 28, 2010, 10:30 a.m.

Combined Vision Statement of Community Conversation Groups Tolland is recognized as a desirable community in which to live. Community means a sense of shared values accompanied by the willingness to ensure the safety, well being and respect of our neighbors and neighborhoods. The Town provides efficient and high quality services in a fiscally responsible and efficient way. Residents’ quality of life expectations will be preserved by the Town continuing to promote a sound infrastructure and recreational opportunities and with an engaged citizenry committed to the betterment of the entire community encouraging a balance among open space, residential and economic development, a town budget process that expands community involvement and a progressive educational system that meets or exceeds the challenges of a common core of knowledge.

Budget Referendum: Tuesday, May 4 “Shall the Town of Tolland’s proposed budget of $50,207,031, reflecting a spending increase of $1,356,965 which is an increase of 2.78% resulting in a mill rate of mills, be adopted? Yes/No” ~ PLEASE VOTE ON MAY 4 TH - POLLS ARE OPEN FROM 6 AM TO 8 PM

TOWN COUNCIL’S BUDGET GOAL FOR FY Maintain important services Continue to provide a quality education for our children Have a varied tax impact on residential properties due to the State mandated revaluation Produce a budget that can be approved by a majority of voters as initially presented THIS BUDGET WILL:

GROWTH UNCERTAINTY 2010/2011 REVENUE

MAJOR REVENUE CATEGORIES

Changes in Non-Tax Revenue Categories Adopted Budget Adopted Budget Council Budget % Change Over 2009/2010 Inc./Dec. Over 2009/2010 Cumulative 2-Year Total Decrease State & Federal Grants $807,455$745,703$728, %$(17,219)$(78,971) Licenses, Permits & Fees $261,500$157,725$194, %$36,775$(67,000) Charges for Current Services $596,487$309,611$337, %$27,883$(258,993) Investment Income/Other $360,917$213,200$140, %$(73,000)$(220,717) Education Grants $11,199,392$11,096,698$11,011, %$(85,000)$(187,694) Revenue Totals $13,225,751$12,522,937$12,412, %$(110,561)$(813,375)

Summary of Available Additional Non-Tax Revenue for FY 2010/2011 Changes in Non-Tax Revenue-$110,561 Increased Use of Fund Balance $50,000 Grand List Growth $209,433 Total Revenue available excluding taxes generated by a Mill Rate increase for 2010/2011 $148, % increase over available non-tax revenue for the 2009/2010 budget

Tax Revenue Needed to Fund Expenditures Identified in the Town Council’s Proposed Budget Increased Tax Revenue$1,181,063 (3.3% increase)

FUTURE REVENUE CONCERNS

Projected Operating State Deficits: FY 2010/2011FY 2011/2012FY 2012/2013FY 2013/2014 $735.5 Million$2.7 Billion$2.2 Billion$1.9 Billion Projected Long Term State Underfunded Obligations: Bonded Indebtedness$18.0 Billion State Employee Pensions9.3 Billion Teacher Pensions6.5 Billion Post Retirement Benefits26.8 Billion GAAP Deficit1.1 Billion Total:$61 Billion

 ECS Grant has not increased in FY 2009/2010 and FY 2010/2011. As a result, in FY 2011/2012 the State must find $280 million just to keep the ECS grant level funded, which would be the single largest infusion of dollars into the grant since its inception. The State in the current year used $280 million of Federal ARRA dollars to supplant State contributions to the ECS Grant.

The Mashantucket Pequot-Mohegan Grant was instituted in the late 90’s as a new source of revenue to fund at least increased costs of education. 50% of all revenue received by the State was to be returned to municipalities. The initial distribution was at 52.7% and today is at 17.5%. The History of grant funding since 1998 is as follows:

* Without Impact of Revaluation In the recently adopted budget mitigation plan for the current fiscal year the State has used up all rainy day funds and has increased the unfunded liability for State pensions and has done little to address the projected deficit for the next fiscal year. On the local level Grand List Growth has been decreasing and this trend will most likely continue for the foreseeable future.

SPENDING

EXPENDITURE SUMMARY

TOWN OPERATING BUDGET

 Town’s ability to have limited expenditure increase is made possible by compounding impact of actions taken in the current year as well as adjustments for the next year. In the current year five full or part time positions were eliminated. Three positions had reduced hours. Two positions were eliminated and replaced with lower cost positions. Part time help was reduced.  In this budget one additional position is being reduced in hours to a part time non-benefited status.  These reductions help to reduce salary accounts as well as minimize health benefit increases.

 Other large expenditure adjustments from the current year: Assessment - $24,361 primarily due to the lower cost of a statistical revaluation for the next five year period versus a full physical revaluation. Ice & Snow - $44,732 due to improved practices in our snow and ice operation which now requires less overtime and fewer materials. Town Attorney - $19,000 due to actual experience over the last several years. Building Inspection - $11,704 due to one less position in the department. Parks & Facilities - $18,610 due to elimination of field lining materials and clay for baseball infields and $4,000 reduction for Town activities which is a result of contributions by private youth sports groups. The materials necessary to line the Board of Education fields for games will have to be provided by the school system ($8,160). Refuse & Recycling - $28,800 due to use of a one-time rebate from CRRA and reduced tonnage as a result of increased recycling.

Town Council Additions to the Budget Recommended by the Town Manager Town Expenditures - $50,000 to potentially fund the following items: –Design for the roof replacement for the lower level of the Hicks Building –Additional crack sealing of roads, tree removal and ADA signs –Additional funds for staff training –Training funds and equipment for the Fire Department

–Telephone and computer equipment –Overtime funds for State Police to use for dedicated speed enforcement or other traffic calming expenses BOE Expenditures - $836,845 for a total increase over the current year of $1,171,583 or 3.5%.

SIGNIFICANT ON-GOING PROJECTS

SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS Design of Geothermal Project at the Hicks Memorial Building. Extension of sewers up Route 195 to the corner of Anthony and Baxter. Preparation for a grant to construct 40 units of Elderly Housing on property to be acquired in the center of Town off Old Post Road. Design of traffic calming recommendations for the Town Green. Continued planning for the development of a Village Center on vacant property in the vicinity of Exit 68.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Board of Education Request Town Manager’s budget reduced the Board of Education request but still increased their budget by 1% or $334,738. Town Council’s adopted budget increased the Town Manager’s proposal for the Board of Education to 3.5% over 2009/10 or an increase of $1,171,583.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

FY10-11: CAPITAL PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE GENERAL FUND Total Amount: $266,700 Refurbish the Tolland High School Track Field - $13,733 (Completed Project Residual $6,267 - total project cost - $20,000) Reserve for current year depreciation for municipal vehicle replacement - $22,967  Board of Education – Tolland High School:  Town Administration:

FY10-11: CAPITAL PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE GENERAL FUND Total Amount: $266,700 6 th annual lease payment (of seven) for replacement of Engine #340 - $70,000  Fire Department:  Capital Equipment: Vac-All body for 2000 Truck - $35,000 Replacement 1999 Toro 16’ Mower - $75,000 This is a specialty mower used 8 hours a day from May thru November, it has 3,200 hours and is rusted out. Normally 8 year life cycle.

FY10-11: CAPITAL PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE GENERAL FUND Total Amount: $266,700 Upgrade of Base Station Repeaters located at Highway, Parks & Facilities and the Tower Site are mandated by FCC to be licensed and operating in narrowband emissions before 1/1/13 - $20,000 Pollution Abatement at Highway Garage pursuant to long standing Consent Decree - $30,000  Public Facilities:

FY10-11: CAPITAL PROJECTS FUNDED BY OTHER SOURCES Board of Education:  Tolland Intermediate School: Roof Top HVAC Replacement - $140,000 (Non-referendum notes)  Tolland Intermediate School: Asbestos Floor Tile Removal - $207,327 (Non-referendum notes) $207,327 (School Construction Grant)  Birch Grove Primary School: HVAC BVH/JCI Upgrade - $35,497 (School Construction Grant) $15,313 (Completed Project Residual)

FY10-11: CAPITAL PROJECTS FUNDED BY OTHER SOURCES  Fire and Ambulance: Contribution from Ambulance Fees to a reserve for Emergency Services Equipment Reserve - $200,000 (Ambulance Fees)  Parks and Recreation: Resetting of slab sidewalk on Tolland Green - $15,000 (LOCIP)  Public Facilities: New Lodge roof and decks - $35,000 (Lodge Funds) Water line connection to highway garage - $10,287 (LOCIP). Completed project residual $25,713 – total project cost - $36,000 Removal and replacement of underground diesel and gas tanks at highway garage - $50,000 (LOCIP). Completed project residual $20,000 – total project cost - $70,000  Construction and Reconstruction: Route 195 sewer extension - $200,000 (State & Federal Grant) $800,000 (Assessment Fees)

FY 10/11: PROJECTS FUNDED BY OTHER SOURCES  Pavement Management: Road Maintenance - $713,328 (Non-referendum borrowing) and $150,000 (TAR) $58,159 (LOCIP) The Town Council increased Road Maintenance by $300,000 (Non-referendum borrowing) in conjunction with their Adopted Budget.

DEBT SERVICE

TOLLAND DEBT SCHEDULE THROUGH % change FY10/11 - $4,622, % FY11/12 -$4,651, % FY12/13 - $4,443,619 (4.48%) FY13/14 - $4,417,844 (0.58%) FY14/15 -$4,391,399 (0.60%) Both Moody’s & Fitch Financial rating agencies have indicated that the Town’s debt is moderate and manageable and in line with Communities that have similar credit ratings.

DEBT SERVICE FOR BUDGET YEAR: $4,622,918 Debt Service Breakdown: 75% 25%

TOTAL INCREASE IN SPENDING: $1,356,965 AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY TAXES REQUIRING A MILL RATE OF 29.86: $37,299,772 FY BUDGET SUMMARY

REVALUATION

IMPACT OF REVALUAITON ON AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES WITH NO INCREASE IN EXPENDITURES FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR Difference from Current Taxes Taxes for a house assessed at $206,500 before revaluation $6,089.69None Taxes for a house assessed at $206,500 after revaluation with no increase in assessment $5, $ Taxes for same house with a.19% increase in a assessment ($206,892) $5, $ Taxes for same house with a 5.422% increase in assessment ($217,672) $6,264.60$ Taxes for same house with 7.99% increase in assessment ($222,999) $6,417.91$328.23

BUDGET IMPACT ON AVERAGE PROPOERTIES WITH NEW ASSESSED VALUES Tax impact for house assessed at $206,892 $ Tax impact for house assessed at $217,672 $ Tax impact for house assessed at $222,999 $240.84

Impact of Revaluation and Proposed Town Council Budget on Average Residential Property $48,850, Current Mill Rate at $49,320, Town Council Proposed at Increase/Decrease 2010/2011 Tax Bill From Current Taxes Taxes for a house assessed at $206,500 BEFORE revaluation: $6, Taxes for same house with.19% increase in assessment – new assessment $206,892 $6,177.80$88.11 Taxes for same house with 5.42% increase in assessment – new assessment $217,692 $6,500.28$ Taxes for same house with 7.99% increase in assessment – new assessment $222,999 $6,658.75$569.07

Click here on the tolland.org home page to access the Tax Calculation Form

What Can You As A Citizen Do Going Forward? Become involved Be informed…subscribe to the electronic newsletter on the website ( Volunteer for town boards/commissions ◦ Board of Building Appeals ◦ Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission ◦ Permanent Celebration Committee ◦ Tolland Economic & Community Development Corporation

◦ Tolland Energy Task Force ◦ Tolland Non-Profit Housing Corp. ◦ Water Pollution Control Authority Submit suggestions, questions or comments via the town’s website; a new interactive suggestion/comment box will become active soon on the homepage through which citizens can submit an inquiry and then view the Town’s posted response

Voting District #1: votes at the Hicks Memorial Municipal Center (town hall) at 21 Tolland Green (located at the intersection of Route 195 and Old Post Road) in the gymnasium. Parking is available in the main parking lot off of Old Post Road. Voting District #2: votes at Tolland Senior Center at 674 Tolland Stage Road. Parking is available. You may direct questions regarding your voting district to any of the following offices: Registrars of Voters - (860) Town Clerk’s Office – (860) Town Manager’s Office – (860) ANNUAL BUDGET REFERENDUM IS TUESDAY, MAY 4 - POLLS ARE OPEN FROM 6:00 AM TO 8:00 PM Tolland Has Two Polling Places:

Budget Referendum: Tuesday, May 4 “Shall the Town of Tolland’s proposed budget of $50,207,031, reflecting a spending increase of $1,356,965 which is an increase of 2.78% resulting in a mill rate of mills, be adopted? Yes/No” ~ PLEASE VOTE ON MAY 4 TH - POLLS ARE OPEN FROM 6 AM TO 8 PM