Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe tonight presented his proposed 2018-19 municipal budget of $80.4 million, a 1.21 percent increase over the current year, to the Board of Finance.
The town budget is part of a total $210 million townwide budget, including the Board of Education’s proposed $118.9 million budget, a 3.97 percent increase.
Michael Gordon, school board chairman, is scheduled to present that budget to the finance board Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Long Lots Elementary School auditorium.
“It’s all about keeping Westport a very desirable place to live, work, have a business and to fend off problems the state is having,” Marpe said. “It’s really about preserving what we have and keeping Westport a special place.”
Public safety comprises 26 percent of the municipal budget, totaling $21.3 million, up 1.72 percent from last year. Of that amount, the Police Department’s budget is $9 million, a 2.72 percent increase.
The Fire Department’s budget, including emergency management, is $9 million, up .72 percent. Other public safety costs total $3.1 million, including EMS, Dog Warden, Building Department and fire hydrant water, a 1.72 percent increase, according to Marpe.
Pensions, OPEB (other post-employment benefits), health insurance and other benefits make up 25 percent of the budget at $24.8 million, a 2.2 percent decrease from last year.
With a proposed $10.1 million budget, the Department of Public Works sees a 4.1 percent increase. The Parks and Recreation department’s proposed budget is $6.2 million, an 8.86 percent jump to be offset by user fees.
The Board of Finance is scheduled to pore over Marpe’s budget and make recommendations Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium.
— James Lomuscio
