Griswold - The Griswold Board of Education has set an initial budget $25.2 million of the 2010-11 fiscal year, a 4.2 percent increase over the current year's budget.

After a public meeting on Feb. 17, the board will make a final decision on the budget based on feedback from residents.

"We want to hear from the community," said Vice Chairman Stuart Norman Jr. "If they say the 4.2 percent is too much, we'll listen. We want as much input as we can get."

Board members expressed concern about asking taxpayers to give more. Superintendent Paul Freeman noted that 48 percent of the funding for Griswold schools comes from taxpayers.

"Boards are having to increase town contribution because state and federal contributions are shrinking," Chairwoman Elizabeth Dorff said.

But others said the budget was conservatively crafted and that any reductions would have an impact.

"I know that our administrators and our staff have worked so hard to ask for only what they need, not what they want," said board member Kimberly Brunelle.

"If they cut us, then we need to make some tough choices," board member Laurie Sorder added. "The townspeople have to know what will be in jeopardy."

The board has been working to cut spending in areas such as staff pay. Griswold teachers have already agreed to forego raises next year and the board is waiting to hear from the other four unions if they would be willing to do the same.

Freeman also mentioned an early retirement incentive that has garnered some interest among staff members.

The Griswold Board of Education budget meeting will be held Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. in the Griswold High School auditorium.