The Branford RTM will meet at Canoe Brook on Tuesday night, May 10 at 8 p.m. for the annual Budget Meeting. On that night, we will make final adjustments to the proposed 2011-12 Town Budget and vote in the budget for the next fiscal year. The Board of Finance has already heard this budget and made some cuts.

Before us is a $94.04 million dollar budget, including $49.17 million for the Board of Education. If passed, as proposed by the Board of Finance, there would be a 3.69%, or 0.87 mill increase in property taxes. This equal about $300 more in property taxes on a $300,000 property.

In neighboring towns, most budget growth is less than Branford's. East Haven, for example, is cutting property taxes. At 3.69% proposed, our increase is the highest in the area. Most of the increase is from negotiated multi-year union contracts. This year, the teacher's salary account grows 4.8%—that's another $1 million.

Other Towns pressured their unions into reducing salary and benefits growth. Not Branford. The Democrat Administration refuses to reopen generous union contracts. Instead, tax hikes will be passed along to you. Also, in January, the First Selectman sent out a memo to department heads, requesting all budgets remain flat, allowing layoffs if necessary. Only one department complied with the First Selectman's request.

RTM Republican Caucus members agree the proposed tax hike is too high. We have examined the proposed budget line item by line item, and are advocating spending cuts in Committees that hear portions of the Town budget. We will continue to advocate for lower spending on the floor of the RTM on May 10.

Keep in mind that we are outnumbered more than two-to-one on the RTM. The Democrat super majority tow the party line on most issues. Our work ahead is to persuade some Democrats to see the light and vote with us to pass line item budget reductions.

The Branford Republican RTM Caucus members are determined to represent you in this important work. We will fight for your best interests: lower taxes, efficient government, and good stewardship of our fine community.