How much would you cut?

Cheshire School Superintendent Greg Florio’s budget is a sign of how difficult it will be for towns to pay for school and other municipal services in the 2009-10 fiscal year. A superintendent’s budget is normally a starting point. Florio starts with a 3.98 percent increase that eliminates five teaching positions and 10 other support jobs. To the average person, 3.98 percent doesn’t sound like a small increase. Keep in mind that Florio is probably expecting the school board, town manager and town council to all trim the request.

I predict most municipal budgets (that includes school funding) will probably call for zero to 2 percent growth. The revenue is not going to be there to support more. I also don’t think most elected officials planning to run in November 2009 can expect to win if they don’t hold the line on spending. In fact, I expect town councilors and mayors to be tripping over each other to show voters just how tough they can be on spending. Unfortunately jobs are probably going to have to be eliminated. Hopefully it can be done through attrition and buyouts.

Let me know what you think. Is a 2 percent increase going to be acceptable to residents? If not, what number would you choose? Also, list the services you think should be eliminated to lessen the tax burden.