The Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) concluded a grueling 14-hour session on Decision Day, with the budget passing along party lines with a record-breaking capital projects budget of $116.5 million, the largest in Greenwich history by far.
The operating budget passed without any proposed changes by the Democratic members and one $30,000 change by the Republicans.
The vote for the overall budget, including capital projects was six Republicans in favor, five Democrats against, and one abstention by Jeff Raemer until Raemer changed his vote to against and the BET Chairman, Dan Ozizmir, was forced to either break the tie or to have the budget revert to the last fiscal year budget with no capital expenditures, which he said he was not willing to have happen.
The initial $67.5 million estimate for rebuilding Central Middle School (CMS) was approved as well as funds for Old Greenwich School (OGS) to begin renovation preparations plus $500,000 to repair sewer issues, and $1 million for an ADA compliant elevator and ramps.
Although not requested by the Board of Education, Ozizmir proposed an additional $818,000 for Riverside School to address critical ADA work, such as installing an elevator, ramps, and a bathroom. This motion was approved.
The process is not yet over, as the Board of Education can request additional funds for CMS from the BET before June, provided they can provide accurate specs for the additional capital request.
Although not requested by the Board of Education, the First Selectman’s office requested approximately $10 million for remediation of fields at Western Middle School (WMS) and it was approved.
The approved budget includes a mill rate increase of only 1%, thanks to a combination of lower healthcare costs, higher interest rates on invested balances, and an increase in the grand list.
The budget next goes to the RTM for a final vote. Look for more in-depth coverage of budget issues at www.GreenwichSentinel.com and in next week’s issue. The budget will be published in the Sentinel as soon as it is available.
