Budget Update- March 11, 2022

At close to midnight on Thursday March 10th the Board of Finance budget deliberations came to a close. Many likely left the room tired and frustrated. It was a long, grueling process, but it was our Democracy at work.

Checks and balances are essential to a well-functioning government. As is having diverse views to ensure a balanced and fair outcome. These concepts can be seen in action each year during our budget process. Our team that compromises the ‘General Government’ portion lives with the impacts of the yearly budget process where decisions made impact their daily work. It is only natural that we want to advocate strongly for the many areas of investment needed - from personnel to capital improvements. The same is true for the team that represents the Stonington Public Schools. They care deeply about their staff and the children, which translates into them wanting to passionately advocate for the investments they deem needed. 

This is where the Board of Finance plays a critical role. They are neutral arbitrators. Their job is to listen over the course of weeks as Departments, Boards and nonprofits present their data, outlining their financial needs. They are asked to take a step back and look at the needs of the entire community and then make extremely difficult choices.

As the Chair of the Board of Finance noted in his opening remarks, there are many worthwhile investments presented in the budget each year, but there is only so much money that can be expended.

Where money is concerned, there is always a natural tension around where investments are most needed. In the end, we are fortunate to have volunteers on our Boards of Finance and Education doing their best to serve the community, right alongside the school and municipal staff. 

The Board of Finance has been charged with trying to put together a budget that has to consider an uncertain future.  The Board of Education has to contend with the diverse needs of its students. Our General Government and the nonprofits included in our part of the budget require funds for a range of needs- from public safety to maintaining our roads and other infrastructure to an array of social services.

We often hear how people want fiscally prudent governments; however, when faced with the reality of what cuts will need to take place, it can be extremally challenging. This is understandable, as we are passionate and advocate for what we believe in. It can be very challenging to accept budget reductions. Worthwhile projects are not funded, useful infrastructure is not replaced, even investments in schools have to be curtailed. But, when we work together as a community, engaging in civil discourse, we can come out with an end result that balances the many, diverse needs of our community.

The budget being put forward to the public for their input at a Public Hearing on March 29th was made possible thanks to the diligent work of various boards, commission, nonprofits and staff. The next important part of the process is for residents to come and share their views on the proposed budget. We may disagree on our most pressing priorities are as a community, but if we come together to listen to each other and learn from one another, we can create a budget that will serve the needs of the whole community for years to come. The new budget will be posted on the Town website by early next week, and you can read more about the budget process here.

Thank you Stonington.