A number of money saving moves were included in the budget approved this week by Ridgefield residents.  First Selectman Rudy Marconi says many people are looking at the recession in the rear view mirror, but town government is not looking at it that way.  He notes that house sales have yet to come back to where they were, though he doubts they will fully rebound.  Marconi is hoping they get a little stronger in the near future. 

Marconi says some other factors they look at as barometers aren't back to where they were.  Town departments have been advised to remain conservative with their spending for the time being. 

Grants are coming to the town to put solar panels on three elementary school roofs in an effort to reduce energy costs.  Marconi says the cost will be reduced to about 7 cents per kilowatt hour over the next 20 years. 

Another grant also came in to place panels on the Public Works Garage.  Marconi says they constantly review and look for products that can help reduce energy costs.