from Joe Klusek
It is sad that the number of voters was so low. I suspect that most people don’t care that we’ve got a half mil increase to our tax rate….higher than many other towns that found a way to hold theirs from going up. Already there are people complaining that it wasn’t enough. I think those that are complaining should keep their disappointment to themselves for now instead of irritating taxpayers like me who are not in favor of unnecessary tax hikes. I’m making this promise to the complainers: There will be more voters at the next budget vote!!
I, for one, am perturbed by those who would have us believe that during a recession we can afford to pay a little more in taxes for the education of “our children” and consequently, the greater good of the community. But what about those who have no children in the school system? Is it fair to ask them to pay more? And once “your children” are no longer attending school in Woodstock, will you feel then the way you feel now? I do believe the most sensible solution lies with any federal tax deductions declared for having children being allocated back to the schools. Thus the parent ensures proper funding for “their children’s” education and the town needs less from those who do not utilize the school system.
Joe,
I can’t say for sure if our mill rate increase was higher or lower than the majority of towns in the state. It’s just too early and the numbers are not out. What I do know from looking at the mill rates for all the town’s in CT currently is that even if every other town in CT has a 0 mill rate increase, our mill rate will still be among the lower rates in the state.
Compared to most other towns in the state we’re getting a darn good deal.
Thanks,
Kevin
Woodstock is still at the bottom of the list in the State for educational funding. So while other towns may have lower mil rate increases, they are still spending more. You can call this fact a complaint, but it is still a fact worth considering.
It seems more likely that you’ve labeled the wrong group as complainers. I understand why people are active in trying to control tax increases, but it’s not necessarily prudent to insist on a town budget that never increases without actually considering what services are important to the Town.
What’s the difference between ignorance and apathy?
I don’t know and I don’t care….
Db
Mike says;
“But what about those who have no children in the school system? Is it fair to ask them to pay more?”
Mike it is all of our responsibility to educate our children. I am not elderly
but is it fair to ask me to pay for the
elderly? or the sick or the disabled?
Where does that line of thinking end?
I think the Board of Finance had a tough job to do holding the line and the Board of Ed met that.
I don’t want to pay more in taxes either but
the reality is everything costs more. I feel
both sides showed restraint and came up with
compromise that is the way it is supposed to
work.
Db
Hi DB,
“Mike it is all of our responsibility to educate our children. I am not elderly
but is it fair to ask me to pay for the
elderly? or the sick or the disabled?
Where does that line of thinking end?”
We all become elderly. We all get sick. We all have a chance we may become disabled some day. But we all do not choose to have children. So that’s where that line of thinking ends.
Mike;
But did we all not start out as children?
Were we all not educated by some taxpaying
adult?
I do see your point and I agree it’s not fair
to expect others to pay for my choices but I
feel education is different because it helps
society as a whole….we will pay one way or another.
Db
In the past Kevin has expounded on the fact that until the State comes up with a better way to fund education, that doesn’t include using property taxes, this never-ending-cycle of debate will persist.
I’m not sure what constitutes an “unecessary tax hike” maybe Joe K. would care to explain. But then again if you’re a town that is at the bottom of the barrel in spending on education, maybe the “unecessary” just became a “necessity” before it becomes a “dire necessity?”
Mike:
It can be argued that a free public education was an ideal of our founding fathers, and something that is essential to our country and our economy. It’s not cheap, but it is provided to every child in the US. When we grow up, we pay taxes so that others can receive a free education as was available to all of us.
The alternative is to more clearly establish a smaller and more powerful upper class and take away the possibility of an education from much of the middle and lower income citizens.
teachref, A lot of factors go into how towns spend money to provide what they think is sufficient. Larger towns, it may be reasoned, are more diversified with elements of parenting that permit their kids to run wild after school instead of doing their homework. No homework equals bad grades and ignorant kids- troublesome kids that help to dummy down the whole system.
How do we get these kids into the mainstream without any support from their either non caring or ignorant parents? We establish “Alternative Ed” and Special Ed programs. They cost plenty. I know that I’m simplifying, here, by lumping all of the kids that need help together because I know that there are some that need help through no fault of their own or their parents. My point is that we just don’t have the need, even on a proportionate basis, as some of our larger communities (I know this. I was raised in a large city and I taught school in an Alternative Ed program).
So, Woodstock spends less money per pupil. Big deal! I’m saying that it isn’t necessary. Be thankful that it isn’t.
Joe,
Even if we take out the towns large enough to have alternative ed programs that still doesn’t explain why we would be near last of the remaining towns. As you probably know our per pupil spending ranking in 2009 was 162 out of 169 (most current available data). If I look at the same year (2009) I find our population rank is 109 out of 169. There is something else going on here.
I can respect the fact that you think it isn’t necessary. I don’t agree with you but you are certainly entitled to your opinion.
Thanks,
Kevin
This post represents my personal opinions and in no way should be considered an official act of the BoE or that I am speaking on behalf of the BoE in any way.