Tensions Flare During South Windsor Budget Deliberations

Tensions ran high during Monday evening’s Town Council special budget meeting, with a resident calling a town councilor “a liar” at one point.

Resident Don Gonsalves, a frequent participant at council meetings, was aggrieved during Councilor Kevin McCann’s presentation concerning the impact that revaluation would have on residential properties.

McCann said that the average reduction in value to home properties was 12 percent, but the impact varies from home to home.

“He’s not going to lie to the public,” Gonsalves interjected.

McCann responded that he was not lying and that he was “horrified” at Gonsalves’ conduct.

Mayor Tom Delnicki eventually restored order.

“We are not going to engage in this sort of interchange,” Delnicki said, before addressing Gonsalves. “I realize that passions are running high. I ask that you refrain from that type of exchange.”

Later in the meeting, Gonsalves was provided with an opportunity to address the council about how much of the fund balance would be used to offset a tax increase.

McCann objected to Gonsalves speaking, stating that it was against the council’s rules.

Gonsalves took issue with McCann again, saying that he did not like “[McCann’s] attitude.”

The Town Council eventually passed a $102.9 million budget later in the evening.