Budget Season Hits Shelton

Mayor Mark Lauretti's proposed $115.4 million budget has started wending its way through the approval process.

The process began with the Board of Education on Tuesday and review on Wednesday.

On April 16, capital spending will be discussed. A budget workshop with the Board of Aldermen and the Board of Apportionment and Taxation will be held April 22 in the City Hall Auditorium at 6 p.m.

On April 24, another workshop with the Aldermen and Tax boards will be held and a budget presentation will take place April 30 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in City Hall.

Lauretti cited recessions, natural disasters and state and federal financial issues as the challenges facing the city.

"Our financial health is paramount to the success of the American dream as we know it," he said in his transmittal letter. "My goal, as mayor, has always been ensuring our residents of a high quality of life that is affordable and will allow every socioeconomic background an opportunity to achieve.

"It starts with user-friendly efficiencies, balance within our city government and ongoing Grand List growth, which in turn, creates tax stability," he said, adding that Shelton "has enjoyed the fruits of our decision making over the past years." The Grand List of all taxable property in town grew by half of 1 percent, he noted.

The Board of Education has increased revenue while overall spending remains flat, due to past spending controls, according to Lauretti.

Developing Shelton

The town is developing economically, such as with the construction of Avalon apartments, and the town is saving money by switching to natural gas and propane, Lauretti said.

Lauretti said Avalaon "continues to inspire more development along the Housatonic River in the downtown area." Construction of the Riverwalk begins this year and there are new proposals for Spongex and Rolfite sites.

He added that infrastructure improvements are ongoing, in addition to the construction of a new animal shelter.

"Unlike those that occupy the legislatures in Hartford and Washington, Shelton has managed its resources well, not spending more than it makes. That makes me grateful to those department heads and bargaining units who have worked in the best interest of our city," Lauretti said.