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Caney (D)Over the last two years, the State has eliminated funding to Westport and may require Westport to pay the State’s liabilities. Under our leadership on the BOF, we worked with the Town and BOE to maintain the level of services and increased funding for the schools, while keeping taxes flat. We invested in the infrastructure, including the library, senior center, Compo and WTF. We achieved these results though innovative fiscal policy, the use of excess reserves, the creation of the BOE carryover account and the implementation of the energy performance contract. If elected, I will continue my responsible fiscal leadership. |
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Stern (D)The State has lowered Westport’s funding by $6.1 million over the past two years; a dramatic loss. The Town and BOE worked tirelessly and cooperatively to enable sustainable departmental funding. With additional savings in insurance, and gains in the grand list, we enabled increased spending on education, and held town spending steady. These actions kept tax rates flat and maintained credit ratings. Simultaneously, investments were made for Westport’s future at our Senior Center, Library, Wakeman Farms, and Levitt. As BOF Chairman, I shall continue to lead by prioritizing education and efficient town services to preserve and build this inspiring town. |
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Moore (R)State Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funds have already been eliminated for Westport and the town receives little other funding from the state. Connecticut pension liabilities are a long tern threat and many state politicians would like to shift them to town likes Westport. The financial impact would be significant but can be addressed by consolidation of services, use of the towns strong balance sheet to reduce BOE costs, and by aggressively fighting for mandate relief. There are opportunities to reduce costs, but we need to collaborate to find solutions. Westport must continue to support its excellent public schools and many wonderful amenities while still keeping our property taxes reasonable for all Westporters. |
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Muktavaram (R)Westport receives very little state funding, therefore there isn’t much for the state to cut. More dire is the threat of long-term state’s pension liabilities being passed onto municipalities impacting Westport now and into the future. It’s imperative that we fund our excellent schools and maintain our wonderful amenities, while keeping property taxes reasonable and competitive. Recognizing that Westport is not immune to state’s budget crisis, we must be fiscally smart and reduce our cost structures. Collaboration is key. For example, we could potentially use the town’s strong balance sheet to reduce the school’s costs related to buses, healthcare, etc. |