Board of Finance to Hold Public Hearing on 2024-2025 Proposed Budgets

A public hearing to present the proposed 2024-2025 budgets to Pomfret residents will be held on Thursday, April 25, at 6:30 pm, at Pomfret Community School.

General Government Proposed FY 2024/2025                    Board of Education Proposed 2024/2025

The Board of Education and Board Selectmen presented their proposed budgets to the Board of Finance in March. The Education budget of $11,443,727 was an increase of $368,300 or 3.3%. The Government budget of $3,383,096 showed an increase of $47,023 or 1.41%. The combined total of $14,826,823 was an increase of $415,323 over the current FY 2024 budget. Without any reductions, the increase would raise the mill rate approximately 1.6 mills.

At its meeting on April 8, the Board of Finance reduced the Board of Education budget of $11,443,727 by $92,488, reflecting the decrease in high school tuition. The General Government budget of $3,383,096 was approved as presented.

According to Board of Finance Chair Margie Huoppi, “The Board felt strongly that a decrease in the number of high school students should be reflected in the budget. With the $92,488 cut, the potential mill rate increase is 1.42 mills.” Huoppi said her goal is to keep the mill rate increase at .5 mills or less.

“We need Pomfret residents to attend this public hearing and let us know if these budgets are acceptable,” she said. “If necessary, we will make further adjustments before sending the budget to the Town Meeting in May.”