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Canton Board of Finance sets modified 2024-25 budget proposal for June 4 referendum

By John Fitts Staff Writer


Education Association of Canton members wave to those arriving for the May 20 meeting.

CANTON - The town's Board of Finance voted on May 20 on a modified 2024-25 budget proposal to send to voters on June 4.


After a lengthy public hearing and discussion on what voters – who rejected the town’s first plan - might accept and how adjustments would affect the town and school district, the Board of Finance voted for a spending plan of $48,611,346. That would be a 3.99 % increase over the approved 2023-24 spending plan. The plan that voters defeated at a May 7 referendum represented a 5.57 % increase in spending.


Specifically, the new budget includes the following:


During the May 20 public hearing the finance board heard from numerous residents, as well as local teachers and representatives from Education Association of Canton, some of whom live out of town but were allowed to speak. In all, more than 50 teachers waved signs outside the community center before coming to the meeting.


Several other residents spoke or wrote to the board with wide ranging opinions. Some want to see a budget with no increase, but advocated strongly for certain programs, such as a half-year budgeting for an additional police officer, which is still in the budget.


Others felt the Board of Education should cut administrators and some said they felt the town and school district were not being creative in their budgeting or seeking enough donations. Others advocated for schools or public safety generally.


Some advocated for certain services, such as the library, although at least one speaker proposed staff cuts there.


The finance board members also spoke at length, with many members expressing the need to acknowledge the no vote while balancing services and the rising costs that the town also faces with inflation, contractual service increases, some pay raises and other increased costs. Several numbers were debated before the final vote. Finance board Tom Blatchley sought further reductions and voted no on the new plan, as he did for the first one.


There were also a few tense moments, including exchanges between First Selectman Kevin Witkos and some on the finance board and at least one between Blatchley and finance board member Peg Berry.


To get to the 3.99 % level, the finance board trimmed $741,928 from the previous proposal. The Board of Education budget was reduced by $417,253, the Board of Selectmen by $294,675 and the Board of Finance by $30,000. The later reduces the funds the finance board had put in to bolster the town’s fund balance and brings that down to $260,000.


Both the Board of Education and Board of Selectmen met this past week to work on reductions as the Board of Finance does not have line-item authority. However, $70,000 of finance board reductions came for the removal of a schools HVAC out of the Capital Improvement Budget, which is on the Board of Selectmen side. On May 20, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jordan Grossman told the finance board that the state legislature delayed the requirement for an HVAC study to 2026.


Save for that $70,000 and the $30,000 from the fund balance bolster, the finance board directed 65 % of the cuts to come from the Board of Education and 35 % from the Board of Selectmen. This was one point of the controversy with some members and Witkos, as a working suggestion had involved 70-30 split. It's not the only tense moment that's been aired in recent weeks. (As time permits, we hope to update this story with more details).


Below are graphics of the items trimmed by the Boards of Selectmen and Education - or those who want to skip right to the new proposal on the town's web site can find it here.


The Board of Education met on May 21 and, working from a list administrators had provided at a meeting last week, reduced the following items, with approximately $51,000 in reductions to be determined. Note - these graphics were produced by the school system.




School board members and administrators also detailed what they said were some misconceptions in the community, and explained some of the above items in detail, also noting that some of the items could potentially be funded by Parent groups, grants, etc.


The Board of Selectmen met Wednesday, May 22 and made the following reductions noted on the next two slides. (Note $25,000 was from pre-referendum cuts that had not yet been determined).






The mill rate, if the budget passes will be 34.15. While the current mill rate is 35.37, most will see a tax increase due to revaluation, which shifted more of the tax burden to homeowners, due to a sharp increase in values overall. With that in mind, voters approved a four-year phase in at a recent town meeting.


Property owners can figure out their taxes by taking the assessed value of their property (which is 70% of market value) and multiplying the number by the mill rate and dividing that number by 1,000. However, keep in mind that phase in, meaning 25 percent of the difference in the new assessed value will take effect next year. So, if one's assessed value of one's home went up $100,000, 25 % or 25,000 of that increase value would be implemented for the next tax bill.


The motor vehicle mill rate would be 32.46 – the maximum allowed by the state.


The referendum is set for 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 4.


See the new budget proposal here.



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Valley Happenings

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or in advance at AVFD Headquarters, 25 Darling Drive, Avon (Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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