The Newtown Legislative Council is meeting tomorrow night for a public hearing on the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year.  The hearing is at 7pm in the Municipal Center Council Chamber. 

While the total spending increase is about 5-percent, the proposed tax increase would be .4 percent.  This comes as  Motor vehicle valuations increased 26 percent, growing Newtown's Grand List.  The proposed municipal budget is about $47-million, an 8 percent increase, caused by moving money to the non-recurring fund.  First Selectman Dan Rosenthal says the money must be accounted for so it's not an actual spending increase.  He likened it to moving money from a checking account into a savings account. 

The Board of Education is seeking an $82.43 million budget, a 3.43 percent increase.  Some of the proposed spending for building maintenance projects and Chromebooks was moved to the Capital and Non-Recurring Fund.  The proposed mill rate is .44 higher, to 34.80 mills in 2022-23.

Following tomorrow's public hearing, the Legislative Council, members will discuss the budget at three meetings planned through the end of the month.  A vote is expected at their April 6th meeting, with a referendum on April 26.