Proposed new hires, rising utility costs account for budget increases

Written by Carrie Schmelkin and Maggie Caldwell, Hersam Acorn Newspapers
Thursday, 04 February 2010 07:33

General government

The 2010-11 general government budget, which includes the finance and parking department, information technology expenses and human resources, is largely driven by salary increases, according to Conrad.

The finance department has the largest increase, at 24.14 percent, calling for the addition of a budget director at a salary of $93,070. The parking department is eyeing a 17.86 percent increase and hoping to reinstate the position of a parking attendant at a salary of $48,643. The job was cut in last year’s budget cycle.

Health and security benefits are expected to increase by 14.4 percent next year, in part due to the $625,000 that the town will give in post-employment benefit contributions.

Recreation

The Recreation Department is proposing a 2.9 percent increase in spending from the current year’s budget, up to $1.43 million. Rising utility costs, salaries and wages for full-time employees are among the main reasons for the uptick.

Department officials are also proposing 10 capital items totaling $363,000. The biggest such request is $170,000 for the resurfacing of the high school tennis courts.

Recreation presents to the Board of Finance on February 9.

Human Services

The Department of Human Services is requesting $480,000, up 13.4 percent from the current year. The change is due mainly to the proposed addition of a half-time case manager for senior residents, according to Jim Lisher, chairman of the Health and Human Services Commission.

The spending request for outside agencies, such as H1N1 flu shot clinics, New Canaan CARES and Meals on Wheels, is down 12 percent to $166,500. Certain payments are mandated by the state, such as fees for membership in the Norwalk Transit District, Lisher said.