Waterbury select board pases stable tax rate budget

WATERBURY — After some last minute adjustments, the Waterbury Select Board passed a budget on Monday night that would keep the tax rate steady at 34 cents.
Despite an approximately 5 percent decrease in the municipality's grand list and a large amount of unexpected expenses associated with Tropical Storm Irene, the Select Board tried to keep the cost to taxpayers down.
Select Board chairwoman Rebecca Ellis, who arrived late and did not chair last night's meeting, suggested the town take out a loan to finance a percentage of the storm related expenses, in anticipation of receiving reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 2012. She also suggested the town use a portion of the tax
stabilization fund and another reserve fund to off set some of the costs. A revised budget passed with Ellis' suggestions implemented.
If it is passed by voters at town meeting, a controversial article that would transfer the Waterbury Police Department budget from the village budget to the town would mean a 2 cent increase in taxes.