A slight increase in spending is being proposed in the New Milford budget for the coming fiscal year.  Mayor Pete Bass has introduced a plan calling for $103.4 million, about $1.4 million more than the current year.  Municipal spending would be down to about $39 million.  Health costs will be lower, but New Milford will add a police officer and a civil engineer.   

The Board of Ed reduced the Superintendents proposed spending plan, which was then reduced further to $64.4 million. 

The overall budget represents a 1.35 percent increase over the current year.  The tax rate would increase by about 2 percent. 

Bass is restoring the town's contribution to the fire department’s capital fund, which was cut in half this year.  New Milford will also allocate more for tree removal, chip sealing, and stormwater and drainage projects to address icing. 

Natural gas usage at John Pettibone Community Center prompted additional money set aside for utilities.