A $72.9 million municipal budget was discussed in Bethel last night.  A public hearing was held at the Middle School to get resident input on the proposal, which includes a 2.3 percent increase. 

First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker says potential substantial school funding cuts from the state have put municipalities in a tough spot.  Knickerbocker says the state not being able to tell towns what to expect has only been a problem in the last four years, and he notes that it gets worse each year.  Town charter requires the town to have a budget meeting in the first week of April, but the state won't release their budget until at least June.

Knickerbocker is also concerned about the state forcing municipalities to cover a state run program. He says that may violate the state constitution and prompt legal action.