By Dan Ozizmir
As the outgoing Republican Chair of The Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET), I would like to reflect on the current term of the BET that is ending this year. Two years ago, I was chosen as BET Chair, receiving votes from 11 of 12 members, including all 6 Democrats. While Greenwich has not been immune to the increased political polarization we have seen across the nation, I was honored to receive the votes of my Democratic colleagues. Over the last two years, the Republican led BET has accomplished a great deal together. It has been my privilege to be the latest member of a decade’s long legacy of Republican BET Chairs, and the current BET’s history stands as notable for its significant accomplishments. Amongst the highlights and accomplishments are:
1. The best funded School System in Connecticut according to a nonpartisan State analysis. Our teachers are the highest paid, and we spend more per pupil than our peers.
The BET’s primary job is a delicate and demanding process.
2. Well-funded public safety makes Greenwich the safest town in CT and amongst the safest in the country. The Insurance Services Organization has rated our fire department in the top 2% in the nation, and we have outstanding emergency services. The BET also funded additional uniformed police for our schools this term.
3. Over $245 million of funding for capital needs including the full funding of Central Middle School; Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic center; drainage needs; $3.2 million for two new fire engines, and funds to complete soil remediation at Greenwich High School and Western Middle School. These capital commitments are more than twice as much as any other budget cycle in Greenwich history.
4. In partnership with our First Selectman Fred Camillo, we developed a new capital investment plan that requires the Town to develop a 5-year capital budget in addition to a yearly budget. This will lead to more efficient and timely capital spending.
5. Improvements to our cash management approach have allowed us to materially improve interest income on our cash holdings while reducing risk.
6. Lastly, we accomplished all of this while reducing our tax or mill rate by 1.65%.
The BET’s primary job is a delicate and demanding process that requires balancing competing operating and capital funding demands with the need to keep taxes affordable and the Town in good fiscal health. Over decades Republican led BETs have managed to accomplish this goal.
I am grateful to the Greenwich voters for trusting Republicans with the responsibility for continuing this tradition of financial prudence that benefits all of our taxpayers. This trust has been well placed. A long history of Republican financial governance has led us to where our Town is today. Financially strong and in an even better position to manage the f inancial future of our Town going forward. This financial legacy should not be discarded lightly. BET Republicans have earned your continued support.
Vote Row B for theRepublican Slate.
Dan Ozizmir is the Chair Board of Estimate and Taxation
