Norwich — Several speakers at Thursday's first public hearing on City Manager John Salomone's proposed $128.9 million combined city, school and capital improvements budget offered mixed suggestions on what the City Council should do with the budget.

Three speakers agreed with a resolution proposed by council Republicans, which will be considered Monday, to ask Salomone to cut 5 percent from the budget he presented on April 3.

But while resident John Blackburn supports the proposed cut, saying “it should have been done years ago,” he acknowledged specific cuts would be difficult. Blackburn said the city's tax rate is too high, but education and city services are needed.

Resident Rodney Bowie said he wouldn't mind if the city police and fire departments took a hit. He said those are usually considered untouchable but the police force has grown from 85 to 100 authorized personnel over the years; there are 90 staffed uniformed officers in the budget.

Resident Sheila Hayes cautioned the council not to hold to the 5 percent cut for each city department, because that level of reductions could hit some departments harder than others.

Jeff Blinderman, a member of the Recreation Advisory Board, supported Salomone's proposal to hire a part-time recreation director, which would be the first for the city in three years. Blinderman said the board has been active in running fundraisers to try to boost the department, and the recently revived youth basketball league has more than 100 participants.

Resident Samuel Browning agreed, and said the city needs a “part-time, if not full-time,” recreation director. Towns much smaller than Norwich have active recreation programs with paid directors and provide much-needed services for local youths.

The next city budget hearing, which might include pending proposed changes by the City Council, will be held at 7:30 p.m. May 8 in Council Chambers.

c.bessette@theday.com