The Westport Representative Town Meeting tonight approved a $160.1 million 2007-08 town budget after spending several hours discussing the school budget.
The RTM approved the $88.7 million education budget, which is a 7.8 percent increase over the current budget, by a 27-6 vote. The Board of Finance will set the tax rate later this month.
The temper of tonight’s meeting was much different than Monday’s meeting when the RTM approved the $56.8 million selectman’s budget (See WestportNow May 7). During that meeting the RTM spent more than 90 minutes discussing how to discuss the budget and one member walked out in frustration.
Tonight, Jo Ann Davidson, RTM District 6, addressed the assembly saying there was a great deal of disrespect Monday night.
“I hope we revert back to our normal civility,” she said.
Many people expressed concern with the school budget tonight and with school officials in general.
Don Bergmann, of Sherwood Drive, said school officials don’t seem to be involved with other things going on in town.
“I have a concern they don’t see themselves a part of the whole town,” he said. “It’s hard to get control of their spending (under those circumstances).”
John Laurino, a former Board of Finance member, said the RTM should ask itself it is truly representing the community when the same questions and debates over the budget happen every year.
“You need to be more demanding,” he said. “The budget’s over $150 million. That’s a lot of money.”
Ron Malone, RTM District 6, said he believes there are a large number of people not coming to meetings who are concerned with increasing budgets and increasing taxes.
“The budget increases are impacting their lives so they can’t stay in the community,” he said.
First Selectman Gordon Joseloff said there is great cooperation between town and school officials, and they are looking for efficiencies.
“I don’t understand the impression that we are not looking for ways to cooperate,” he said. “I’m troubled that some think it’s an us versus them thing. We all work together.”
