Waterford finance board cuts more from budget

Waterford - The Board of Finance Monday held its fifth hearing on the 2010-11 budget, cutting $7,745 from its social service grants and $1,712 from the Youth Services Bureau in its quest to find savings in the $73.8 million budget.

The board deliberated for nearly two hours on the cuts to social service grants and debated the wisdom of contributing taxpayer money to charity amid the town's financial woes.

"We are asking town employees to take furloughs this year," said board member G. Brian Vachris, who added he is philosophically opposed to public funding of charities.

Among the social service reductions approved were $766 from the town's contribution to South East Area Transit and $800 from its community events fund.

The board cut $3,800 from the Waterford Historical Society and reduced its funding of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra by $1,000.

The social service grant budget now stands at $104,972, while the youth services budget is now at $199,157.

The board was also set to hear budgets from Recreation and Parks and Senior Services later Monday night.

The hearings will continue Wednesday at 7 p.m.

- Stephen Chupaska