Ledyard charter revision on November ballot
Ledyard — Alongside selecting state representatives and senators, residents here will be voting whether to approve a new set of charter revisions when they take to the polls Nov. 6.
The changes, proposed by a charter revision commission, were approved by the Town Council in June.
Many of the revisions are wording changes to reflect changes the town has made in staffing since the last charter revision in 2009. For example, the sections on town planning and zoning were merged into one section, as the two commissions had been consolidated into one. Other changes include a new meeting time for the Town Council to choose its chairman after each biennial municipal election and the removal of the resident state trooper from the Public Safety Commission, as the town now has its own police department.
A new section allowing private political activity for town employees would align the town charter with Connecticut General Statutes. The revision would allow town employees to vote in elections, express political opinions or contribute to political campaigns, as long as they do it with their own money and outside of their work capacities.
Another major change, in the finance and taxation section, comes after a series of state budget cuts that resulted in teacher furloughs and library restructuring. The commission included language that encourages contingency plans in the event the state budget is cut after residents approve the town budget, such as the use of town surplus or a supplemental tax bill. The Board of Education specifically would be encouraged to come up with a way to offset enrollment changes.
If the state budget comes up short, the Town Council then would be able to reopen the town budget and consult with the mayor and Board of Education on how to address the reduction of funds. A town meeting and referendum would be held three weeks later for the revised budget, with a revised tax bill sent out upon approval; if it is not approved, the Town Council would be able to adopt the necessary cuts.
If the charter revisions are approved Nov. 6, they will take effect Dec. 3.
Comment threads are monitored for 48 hours after publication and then closed.
