Waterford — The Board of Finance approved a $97.4 million budget last week that calls for a 0.98% increase compared to the current budget.

The finance board approved a general government budget of $34,560,086, a school budget of $51,043,047 and a capital expenditures and debt service fund of $11,799,987. The finance board cut $270,121 from the $97,673,241 budget proposed by the Board of Selectmen. 

Schools Superintendent Tom Giard initially proposed a $51,153,047 budget which called for a 1.55% increase and the school board trimmed $110,000 from the proposal. The Board of Finance did not make further cuts to the school budget.  

A large portion of the finance board's reduction came from cutting about $85,000 from the proposed fire services budget which now stands at $3,326,034. Board members were incredulous that selectmen and fire officials were requesting an approximately 10% increase in the fire services budget.

The finance board also reduced the selectmen's proposed capital improvement plan and debt services budget of $11,874,987 by $75,000.

Before finalizing the numbers, the finance board listened to numerous public comments from residents urging the board to reconsider its decision to reduce the Nevins Cottage Restoration Project allocation from $150,000 to $50,000. They said the town must work to protect and preserve its historical architectural assets. 

Finance board members were ultimately moved by the organized effort to advocate for the cottage, though they noted that they would’ve liked more information at an earlier date. The board chose to restore $50,000, making the town's contribution $100,000. First Selectman Rob Brule was among the supporters of the full $150,000, noting that it would be seed money meant to supplement grants and grassroots fundraising efforts to prevent the deterioration of one of the town’s landmarks.

Board members decided against passing the full $150,000 because they wanted more information about the project, specifically how much money will ultimately be needed to save the cottage. Multiple members said the concept of using the repurposed cottage as a space for public events involving the arts, among other ideas, is still not clear.  

The Representative Town Meeting will now consider the proposed budget beginning on May 3. Once the RTM approves the budget, the finance board will set the tax rate. 

s.spinella@theday.com