Trumbull Finance Board to Review Proposed 2013-2014 Budget Tonight

The Board of Finance will hold its first budget meeting since First Selectman Tim Herbst released his proposed budget Feb. 3 asking for a 2.74 percent increase to the education budget.

The Town Council Finance Committee will also take part in the hearing, set for 7 p.m. in Town Hall.

The total budget would be $151.9 million, with a proposed tax increase of 2.1 percent. The increases would come from bond payments, higher pension payments and more police spending.

Herbst said he cut $5.5 million from departmental requests.

The school board had asked for a 4.56 percent increase to accomodate staffing increases and rising health care costs and salaries. Some funding would also go the district's technology plan, "Project Catapult," although some of that initiative would be bonded.

Not included in the board's budget request is new turf for Trumbull High School's football field. The current turf is about 10 years old and nearing the end of its useful life, said Athletic Director Michael Herbst.

The Board of Finance next meets on the following dates (all meetings are held at Town Hall Council Chambers unless noted):

• Monday, March 4, 7 p.m., at Madison Middle School
• Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m., at Madison Middle School
• Monday, March 11, 7 p.m. - Board of Education followup, if needed
• Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 p.m. - Voting Session
• Thursday, March 14, 7 p.m. - Regular Meeting - Continuation of Voting Session (if needed)
• Tuesday, March 19, 6:30 p.m. - Continuation of Voting Session, if needed

The Town Council has the final say and can suggest further cuts.