Community Corner

[Updated] Officials React to Vernon Passing a 2013-14 Fiscal Year Budget

The spending plan was approved on Tuesday.

Updated June 5, 12:48 p.m. 

Town officials on Wednesday began to react to the passage of an $82.7 million budget for the 2013-14 fiscal year.

The the total was 1,309 voting yes. 

The total was 1,082 voting no. 

Those eligible to vote totaled 15,808, according to the registrars of voters on Tuesday.

The new tax rate is 35.40 mills. 

Here is the reaction: 

Thomas DiDio, Democratic Town Council member and mayoral candidate: "I would like to personally thank all the members of our community who came out to vote in yesterday's referendum. I am especially grateful to all of those who voted yes to approve the budget. By supporting this historic increase in funding education, we have made a statement that we will not stand for mediocrity but expect the very best from our schools. This must be looked at as a significant start in our quest to return Vernon to being one of the premier educational systems in the state.
"This will significantly help our housing values and ultimately improve our tax base. I strongly encourage those who are facing financial issues to contact our Tax Assessor to explore options that are available to you."

Board of Education Chairman Dean Houle: He submitted a letter to the editor immediately after Tuesday voting results. http://vernon.patch.com/groups/around-town/p/letter-school-board-chairman-thanks-the-voters

Adam Weissberger, Republican Council member: "I am happy that the voters of this town accepted the challenge to get out there and vote, leading to a 50 percent increase in voter turnout over the last referendum. 

"The passing of the budget is only the first step, and now, the real work begins -  the work of implementing and executing the vision and plan set forth by all departments and the Board of the Education during budget process, and articulated to the voters, and holding those accountable who don't live up to that standard.  

"But one message should be very clear is that the $1 million additional increase given to education must go directly to benefit the children in the classroom.

"The vote yesterday reinforces the fact that we are all engaged to improving our schools and town, and to remove ourselves from the stigma of the alliance district. I also hope that the action taken to increase education spending will encourage more parents to bring their kids back to the school district from the magnet schools so that the BoE and school district can put more money to work that directly benefits the children in the classroom.

"There was a lot of passion throughout this budget process, but it is important to make sure that passion does not wane simply because a budget has passed.  I continue to encourage all parents, concerned citizens and taxpayers to stay involved and engaged with your local government."


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