Why I want Enfield’s old schools torn down, not renovated

Image
  Water-stained ceiling tiles in an office at Hazardville Memorial School I've been researching hazardous materials in Enfield's elementary schools and reading the inspection reports that federal law requires. Every school with asbestos must get a full inspection every three years and a check every six months. Enfield's last full inspection was in 2024. The last six-month check was in June. I went to the school department and looked at the records to gain a better understanding of what's involved. I did not realize, until I looked at the material, how much effort the school system has to take to ensure the children are safe. I'm planning to write something in greater detail, but for now the opposition has to understand the real implications of a "no" vote. Asbestos may sit in old floor tile and glue, pipe insulation and ceiling material. Asbestos materials that are sealed or in good condition do not put fibers in the air. They become a problem when they ar...

Enfield Property Taxes Could Rise About 3% Under New Budget


Town Council budget workshop May 6

Residential property taxes for Enfield residents are projected to rise by approximately 3% under the current town budget proposal.

This figure emerged during a wide-ranging, and sometimes contentious budget workshop Tuesday with school board officials. Council members discussed topics ranging from school discipline issues to the possibility of running school buses in-house. This was the final budget workshop. 

Following lengthy meeting, council members settled on a budget that raises the mill rate from 30.56 to 31.50—an increase of 0.94 mills. This could still change before final budget adoption. 

The Board of Education budget will increase by 4%, less than the 5.57% or $4.3 million increase initially sought. The board had requested that increase to reduce class sizes, restore positions cut last year, and meet other pressing needs. 

Council Democrats supported fully funding the school board’s request. Mayor Ken Nelson argued that the approved 4% increase was one of the largest the school board had ever received.

For a home with a market value of $235,000 (assessed at $164,500, or 70%), the property tax bill would increase from $5,027 to $5,181—an increase of $154.63, or 3.08%.

The $235,000 figure is the town manager's estimate of the average market value of homes in Enfield. 

School Superintendent Steven Moccio noted that the funding would still allow for about 16 new positions, instead of the 30-plus originally requested.

The Town Manager originally proposed a 2.67-mill increase and a $162 million budget (a 5.12% increase). The final proposal now under discussion is closer to $158 million, or about a 2.5% increase, for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025.
Location: Enfield, CT 06082, USA

Comments

Post a Comment