Two Question & Answer sessions are being held in New Milford for officials to discuss the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year with residents.  This Saturday and next, the Board of Education Chairman, the Superintendent of Schools and Mayor David Gronbach will host the sessions. 

Voters rejected the education budget by just 18 votes during a referendum May 24th, where there was only an approximate 9-percent voter turnout.  The municipal portion was approved by little more than 200 votes, but Town Charter says both must go back to referendum if one fails. 

Approximately 500-thousand dollars has been cut from the proposed budget, about half a percent.  The combined school and municipal budget is proposed at $99.8 million.

The failed $62.2 million Board of Education budget represented a $1 million increase over the current year.  Mayor David Gronbach proposed a municipal budget with no spending increase, but the Board of Finance added $448,000, bringing the proposal to $36.6 million. 

The Q&A sessions will be at the Lillis Administration Building on East Street from 10am to 12pm.