Swearing Quietly

In the words of Bob Dylan, "Money doesn't talk, it swears." And this time last week, lots of people across the region, to include residents of Norwich, who've been quietly (and not so quietly) suffering from economic hard times, had plenty to talk about as next fiscal year's municipal budgets were unveiled to somewhat less than rapturous reviews..

Misery loves company and to read the on-line comments, listen to some of the call-in reaction on local radio and speak with neighbors, there seemed to be plenty of misery to go around. Here in Norwich, the City Manager's proposed budget of $113.4 million would, if approved as presented, precipitate a tax increase of just under 5%, causing howls of disbelief mixed with protest from residents and property owners.

It was probably of very little solace to any of them in learning their neighbors in New London were suffering even greater sticker shock as their Mayor's proposed $87 million budget would require a nearly 20% tax increase.

Monday night, the City Council held its first public hearing on the proposed budget. I think it's safe to assume all involved in the process, from the City Manager through the alderpersons to the various city department employees, and, most importantly, the residents, understand nothing is ever eaten as hot as it's served, and the proposed budget is just that, proposed.

The Council has already started conversations with the various city departments on why they asked for what they requested. There was a session last Tuesday evening with Public Works and Public Utilities among others and there's more next Tuesday, the 17th, to include a presentation by the Mayor on Economic Development that may be of more than casual interest followed by an early morning session next Saturday, the 21st, in the Taftville Volunteer Fire Department, with emergency management and public safety.

There's a meeting with the Board of  Education on its requested budget, as well as what the City Manager proposed, scheduled for April 26th, before the City Council holds its second public hearing the middle of next month, May 14th to be exact.

It's important that your voice is heard but as important that what you have to say is informed and factual. By the time this season is over there will be enough shouting and pointing for everyone. You don't need to get loud-what you need to do is improve the quality of your argument, be it pro or con. Start by getting copies of the proposed budget here (for the Cut to the Chase summary) and here (for the unabridged version of the full budget). I don't know where you can get extra parentheses (), but you're welcome to those two.

It's more than a good idea to attend the various meetings the Council is having to better understand what the various departments do and how they benefit the city. For instance, I did not know Public Works makes all of our street signs-I hadn't lost a lot of sleep worrying about it, but it was a reminder to NOT take things for granted. Also, did you know Public Utilities has its own space program? Or that one of the two preceding sentences was fiction?

If you had attended last Tuesday's session, you'd know which. See you at the launchpad. Bring Tang.
-bill kenny