A public hearing has been held in Bethel on a proposed Tax Stabilization Ordinance.  Officials say the goal is to prevent radical increases in the mill rate.  The Boards of Finance and Selectmen signed off on the plans prior to the hearing.  The Selectmen approved the proposal at their meeting Tuesday.  Outgoing First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker says the purpose is to promote sound financial management and enforce spending discipline by setting aside budget surplus dollars for use during years with lower growth or declining revenue.  Weak economic conditions, state or federal mandates or large business taxpayers leaving can cause unanticipated revenue shortfalls during a fiscal year that would be addressed through reductions to services or increases in taxes.  Knickerbocker says the Tax Stabilization Fund may be used to prevent those actions. During the development of the annual budget, the Board of Finance may authorize a transfer to the General Fund consistent to the extent possible with Use of Fund Balance entries. The maximum annual transfer is $500,000 in any one fiscal year.