Here is an explanation of what it is like this year serving on Fairfield's Board of Finance....

This is a very difficult and challenging year.  We are currently facing a situation where we most likely do not have enough Revenues to cover the Expenses currently proposed - unless one is willing to make some very optimistic assumptions. We also have some key Expenses like our Pension Fund contribution not fully accounted for in the First Selectman's version of the budget. The current budget reflects something closer to a 4.5% Tax increase not the 3% that is being advertised.  

To put this in perspective, we would have to cut $3 Million in Expenses just to get back to a 3% Tax Increase.  There is much work to be done. This budget came to us with several big "holes" that we have to fill.  Every percent from there requires approx a $2 Million cut in the Budget.  

Our "charge" is to recommend a balanced budget that meets the needs of the Town.  We are faced with many important choices.  There are really no poor choices for funding in our budget. Those have already been reduced. We are faced with the difficult decision on how to allocate too few Revenue dollars to fund too many worthy Expense needs. This is why most of our meetings typically run till close to 11PM. We start at 7PM.  And just to confirm, since we are all volunteers, this is all unpaid overtime taken away from our family, friends and our normal work.  

In my case, I make my living in Real Estate.  I feel the brunt of this economy every day.  My industry is off approx 40-45 percent in the last year and so far 2009 is running behind 2008.  I can assure you the entire Board of Finance takes the current economic climate very seriously.  We also understand that since 70 percent of the Town Expenses are labor related  - any significant cuts require reduced staffing. Or put another way, sending someone home to his or her family without a job.  

I am afraid that not everyone will be pleased with the outcome.  Any suggestions on where to spend less are definitely welcome.   Please be assured we are working as hard as we can to make our Revenues go as far as they can.

Mike