Guilford Selectmen Approve Budget; See How it Impacts Your Taxes

GUILFORD, CT - The Board of Selectmen, at its February 6th meeting, approved a $29.7 million 2018-2019 budget calling for a 2.91 percent or $2.77 million increase.

The budget, which includes both the town and school spending plans, was approved by a unanimous vote of the selectmen.

First Selectman Matt Hoey said the most of the increase is not discretionary spending, but rather contractual.

Hoey said the budget assumes the additional $600,000 proposed cuts by the governor, which is the worst case scenario.

He noted budget cuts proposed by the governor last year to Guilford were beat back by the legislature and the same is likely to happen this year.

Selectman Charles Havrda said he doesn’t like the numbers, but there are no real choices they can make

He added that because the Grand List went down many residents’ assessments went down.

That means, even with that type of an increase approved by the selectmen, many will find that they will be paying less in taxes.

Hoey added that this is just the first step.

Officials noted that there could be some movement at the state level and those changes could be made at the Board of Finance level.

Hoey said he will take the lead and work with legislators about the effect of the state budget.