David M Becker's Blog

CT Budget Comparisons by Income Bracket

2011-02-19T22:26:00.000-08:00

While reading through the continuous coverage of the proposed Connecticut budget, I came across three articles that most directly highlighted why every taxpayer in the state needs to be very concerned. They are part of a series, written by the Connecticut Post, comparing several hypothetical families in Connecticut and how the budget presented by Governor Malloy would impact them. What was so helpful in this series was that instead of talking in broad terms, they took three distinctly different tax brackets and showed just how much it would affect each of them. I'm sure there are many more comparisons out there and the numbers may vary slightly. However, any way you slice it this is not good and is in fact, deeply troubling.

Here are the three income brackets along with the articles:
(Credit: Connecticut Post)
Low Income - http://bit.ly/evfN4P
Middle Income - http://bit.ly/gRMnfj
High Income - http://bit.ly/e2xDwC

Board of Finance FY11 Budget Votes 04/01/10 - Town Revenue

2010-11-14T08:00:00.001-08:00

Board of Finance FY11 Budget Votes 04/01/10

Directory: Town - Revenue

Town - Expenses

WPCA - Expenses

Town/WPCA - Health Insurance

Town Budget - Revenue Adjustments

Interest and Dividends (Page 18)

44001 -$400,000 (Interest and Dividends)

Sale of Town Owned Property (Page 18)

48506 -$500,000 (Sale of Town Owned Property)

General Property Taxes (Page 14)

40010 +$200,000 (Prior Years Levy)

40040 -$70,445 (P.A. 86-178 Phone access lines)

State Grants other than Education (Page 15)

41192 -$36,947 (In Lieu of Taxes - Boats)

41196 +$154,120 (Pilot program non-profit org.)

48202 +$4,596 (Nitrogen Removal Credit)

41131 +27,817 (ECC Enhanced 911)

Charges for Service (Page 15-18)

42312 -$165,000 (Town Clerk - Conveyance Tax)

42351 -$100,000 (Park Dept - Beach Stickers)

42353 -$52,072 (Park Dep - Boat Dockage Fee)

Net Decrease -$937,931

Board of Finance FY11 Budget Votes 04/01/10 - Town Expenses

2010-11-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

Board of Finance FY11 Budget Votes 04/01/10

Directory: Town - Revenue

Town - Expenses

WPCA - Expenses

Town/WPCA - Health Insurance

Town Budget - Expense Adjustments

Board of Education (Page 250)

Note: BOS previously voted for 58900 -$100,000

58900 +$100,000 (BOE Budget)

Human Resources (Page 71)

Note: BOS previously voted for 52100 +$200,000

Note: Adjustments now being made separately by department. (+$345,000 if including WPCA)

52100 -$200,000

Registrar of Voters (Page 44)

Note: Transferred to Contingency - To be used in case of primary.

51070 -$20,160

Town Planning and Zoning (Page 50)

58120 -$1,000

Conservation (Page 58)

53200 -$21,100

Miscellaneous Contingencies (Page 68)

Note: Transferred to Contingency

58010 -$10,000

Community and Economic Development (Page 76)

58120 -$1,000

Contingency (Page 86)

58010 +$328,500 (For BOE if ECS percentages change)

58010 +$20,160 (Transfer from Registrar of Voters)

58010 +$10,000 (Transfer from Miscellaneous Contingencies)

Private School Bus Transportation (Page 133)

58500 +$9,780

Finance (Page 140)

Note: BOS previously voted for 53200 +$50,000 for audit. BOF suggested using Contingency instead.

53200 -$50,000

51010 +$20,000

Information Technology (Page 152)

58100 -$10,000

Fire (Page 162)

51061 +$50,000

51062 +$50,000

51065 +$25,000

51066 -$12,000

Police (Page 168-169)

53310 -$8,266

54150 -$28,917

54320 -$5,900

54330 -$10,120

57000 -$33,500

58120 -$2,000

ECC (Page 183)

58120 -$5,000

Solid Waste and Recycling

58120 -$500

South Pine Creek Golf Course (Page 239)

Note: re-priced capital item estimate

57000 -$10,000

H. Smith Richardson Golf Course (Page 243)

Note: Capital Item #1 also appears on CIP pg. 272

57000 -$70,000

Retiree Benefits (Page 254)

52310 -$1,499

52311 +3,617

Health Insurance

Note: Changes were broken out to each department.

Note: Click Here for the breakout.

Overall total of changes: +$330,258

Net Increase +$446,353

Board of Finance FY11 Budget Votes 04/01/10 - WPCA

2010-11-14T07:35:00.001-08:00

Board of Finance FY11 Budget Votes 04/01/10

Directory: Town - Revenue

Town - Expenses

WPCA - Expenses

Town/WPCA - Health Insurance

WPCA Budget - Health Insurance (Page 262)

52310 +$120

Net Increase +$120

Board of Finance FY11 Budget Votes 04/01/10 - Town/WPCA Health Insurance

2010-11-14T07:14:00.000-08:00

Board of Finance FY11 Budget Votes 04/01/10

Directory: Town - Revenue

Town - Expenses

WPCA - Expenses

Town/WPCA - Health Insurance

Town Budget - Health Insurance Adjustments

Note: Department name and code are listed. All changes made to object code 52100.

1010 First Selectman +$3,215

1030 Town Clerk +$4,279

1070 Registrar of Voters +$713

1110 TPZ +$4,422

1230 Conservation +$5,705

1330 Human Resources +$2,853

1350 Comm. and Economic Dev +$713

3010 Finance +$5,991

3030 Purchasing +$2,139

3050 Assessor +$4,636

3090 Tax Collector +$4,636

3110 IT +$3,566

4010 Fire +$69,655

4030 Police +$80,588

4050 Animal Control +$2,139

4110 Emergency Management +$235

4150 ECC +$10,697

5011 PW Admin +$2,746

5030 PW Ops +$54,201

5050 Building +$4,992

5070 Engineering +$4,992

6010 Health +$23,534

6050 Human and Social Serv +$806

6070 Solid Waste and Recycling +$1,426

7010 Library +$22,108

7050 Parks and Recreation +$4,279

7111 So. Pine Creek GC +$713

7113 H. Smith Richardson GC +$4,279

Net Increase +$330,258

WPCA Budget - Health Insurance Adjustment

52100 Health Self Insurance +$14,742

Net Increase +$14,742

Board of Selectman FY11 Budget Votes 3/30/10

2010-03-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

TOWN BUDGET
Human Resources (Page 71)

Note: These adjustments net out to zero changes.
58920 +$58,000
58930 -$1,558,000
58940 +$1,500,000 (New account - "Risk Management Fund - Workers Comp")

RYSAP (Page 88)
Note: Restored to FY10 allocation.
58500 +9,325

Human Resources (Page 71)
Note: This location would serve as a "catch all" reserve fund for all town agencies for health insurance funding needs.
52100 +$200,000

Human Resources (Page 71)
58920 +$50,000

Finance Department (Page 140)
Note: Funds for Town audit.
53200 +$50,000

Board of Education (Page 250)
58900 -$100,000

Net Increase $209,325
FY11 Budget Total as Amended by BOS $251,288,369

WPCA BUDGET (Page 261-265)
Left unchanged from FY11 proposed.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (Pages 283-284)
Item #3 Moved to separate bond as per below.
Item #7 -$140,000 (Removed per DPW recommendation)
Item #4 +$250,000 (Reinstated per DPW recommendation)
Resolution passed as $1,665,000

Item #3 +$1,500,000 (Restored to full $3mil request)
Resolution passed as $3,000,000

Paving +$2,900,000 (Added to CIP request for FY11)
Resolution passed as $2,900,000
Note: It is unclear at this time if paving would be wrapped into the general ($1.6mil) CIP bond.

Press Statement - 2/23/10

2010-02-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

Below is a copy of the statement issued to the Press regarding the RTM vote on our proposed resolution which during a narrow 22-23-1 vote didn't pass.

For a detailed timeline of the resolution process visit http://bit.ly/9x8ta4

Response to RTM vote - Item #6 2/22/10

Although the RTM chose monthly updates from the First Selectman versus forming a committee, our overall goal of promoting transparency and open government unanimously prevailed across party lines. We look forward to receiving monthly updates and will continue to evaluate the best method to receive information as the project moves forward. As members of the RTM, we will continue our outreach efforts to address the concerns and find the answers to our constituents’ questions.

David Becker & Kathryn Braun

Proposed Metro Center Sub-committee - Condensed Blog Entry

2010-02-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

UPDATED FEBRUARY 23, 2010 AT 6:30PM EST.

Below is a summary containing the resolution, most recent draft resolution based on feedback received, and several articles that have been written. For supporting documentation (copies of the agreement, related documents, the legal opinion, previous meeting minutes, etc.) please send me an email and I will send you any related PDF files that I have.

1) This is an updated version of the resolution based on feedback received.

******DRAFT******DRAFT******DRAFT******

The Resolution appearing as Item #6 on the RTM Agenda for February 22, 2010, shall be amended to read as follows:

Resolved that the RTM establish a RTM Special Committee pursuant to Rule 12 of the RTM Rules to Regulate, to be called the Metro Center Tripartite Agreement Review Special Committee, the purpose of which will be to review ~~and assess status and possible modification of~~ the three party agreement by and between the State of Connecticut, Town of Fairfield and Blackrock Realty that was approved by the RTM on February 25, 2003 and related updates or modifications that may be proposed by the parties thereto, and to ~~make further~~ report such information ~~and recommendations~~ to the RTM.

******DRAFT******DRAFT******DRAFT******

2) This is the original wording we put forward.

Resolved that the RTM establish a RTM Special Committee pursuant to Rule 12 of the RTM Rules to Regulate, to be called the Metro Center Tripartite Agreement Review Special Committee, the purpose of which will be to review and assess status and possible modification of the three party agreement by and between the State of Connecticut, Town of Fairfield and Blackrock Realty that was approved by the RTM on February 25, 2003 and to make further report and recommendations to the RTM.

Sponsor: Kathryn L. Braun, R-8

Seconded: David M. Becker, R-1

3) Fairfield Citizen Article from February 12th

http://bit.ly/aOmSwJ

4) Connecticut Post Article from February 21st

http://bit.ly/9cqwIO

5) It was close but the resolution didn't pass. Votes were 22-23-0

6) Press Release issued by Reps. Becker (R-1) and Braun (R-8)

Response to RTM vote - Item #6 2/22/10

Although the RTM chose monthly updates from the First Selectman versus forming a committee, our overall goal of promoting transparency and open government unanimously prevailed across party lines. We look forward to receiving monthly updates and will continue to evaluate the best method to receive information as the project moves forward. As members of the RTM, we will continue our outreach efforts to address the concerns and find the answers to our constituents' questions.

David Becker & Kathryn Braun

7) Fairfield Sun Article from Feb 23rd - http://bit.ly/a2qZpe

8) CT Post Article from Feb 23rd - http://bit.ly/bAz9LR

9) Fairfield Citizen Article from Feb 24th - http://bit.ly/a0wZ5E

Fairfield Metro Center Subcommittee Resolution

2010-02-12T11:36:00.000-08:00

FOR CURRENT INFORMATION...
PLEASE REFER TO THE CONDENSED BLOG ENTRY FOR THE RESOLUTION

http://davidmbecker.blogspot.com/2010/02/proposed-metro-center-sub-committee.html

Original Post:

Resolution text as initially proposed and filed with the Town Clerk on Feb 2nd, 2010.

Resolved that the RTM establish a RTM Special Committee pursuant to Rule 12 of the RTM Rules to Regulate, to be called the Metro Center Tripartite Agreement Review Special Committee, the purpose of which will be to review and assess status and possible modification of the three party agreement by and between the State of Connecticut, Town of Fairfield and Blackrock Realty that was approved by the RTM on February 25, 2003 and to make further report and recommendations to the RTM.

Sponsor: Kathryn L. Braun, R-8

Seconded: David M. Becker, R-1

Update:

Fairfield Citizen article: http://bit.ly/aOmSwJ

Letter to the Editor - Thank you District 1 Voters

2009-11-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Editor:

Thank you to the voters of District 1 for your tremendous show of support and vote last week at the polls. I take your groundswell of support as a mandate to be your independent voice on the Representative Town Meeting, to make decisions that best serve your interests, not a political party, and to help lead our town to a bright future.

I have lived in Fairfield nearly my entire life, and I have a deep affection for it, and a strong commitment to our town. I pledge to hold the line on unnecessary spending, advocate for long-term planning solutions, to work in earnest to keep our seniors and retirees in town and to bring transparency to our government. I will be proactive, not reactive.

Thank you very much. Together, we can make our town better than ever.

I look forward to serving you during my term.

Should you have questions or something you would like to discuss, please feel free to call me at 203-424-0024.

Sincerely yours,

David M. Becker

Voter Question: How do you define "proper" funding for schools?

2009-11-02T20:33:00.000-08:00

Earlier this evening I received an email from a local resident in my district. He had a great question about one of my three key issues. Below I have listed his question and my response. I welcome feedback from readers of this blog on how to address the balance between a tight budget and proper funding for our schools. If fortunate enough to be elected tomorrow, I will need everyone's help with this and many other issues.

Question:

How do you define "proper" funding for schools?

Answer:

I define proper funding as our school system having the financial resources it needs at all times to provide a complete and balanced education for all children in Fairfield.

My plan as your representative on the RTM is to add my voice to the call for a fully independent audit of the school board's budget. Going door to door this past month, I have spoken to many fellow voters that share my concern for where their money is going. Some teachers are low on school supplies and it is only November. Situations like this should never be the case in our town.

It is my belief that we can properly fund our schools, while at the same time keeping taxes and our overall budget down. There is a fine balance that can and must be achieved and I am hoping to have the opportunity to work towards that goal on behalf of my district.

Weekend Update Oct. 24-25

2009-10-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

I've made two separate entries below for this weekend outlining the progress I've made_with the campaign.

Saturday Campaign Update:
Several meetings were in the morning. I was filled in on some local Southport issues from a few Sasquanaug members. There is plenty of work to do in that area.
During the rainy afternoon I took a break from the campaign. Asa new board member at the Fairfield Arts Council I felt that it was important to meet with their Executive Director now vs after the campaign. Lots of work ahead of me and I always like to jump right into things. After that meeting I attended an FAC sponsored book signing at Borders for Bruce Pollock's "By the Time We Got to Woodstock: The Great Rock ’n’ Roll Revolution of 1969"
Final stop was a meeting with Joe Demartino (running for RTM-4) (link below). He's running too and we both bounced some ideas around for our campaigns. Very helpful for both sides.

Sunday Campaign Update:
Today was a beautiful day in Fairfield! So...Lots of events and walking!
Started the day off at the Junior Women's Club "Halloween on the Green" event. One of my neighbors on Mona Terrace invited me to stop by and I was glad to accept. The kids were having a blast with all sorts of games and fun the weekend before Halloween!
After that I went to the Sasquanaug pumpkin carving event at the Pequot Library. I was introduced to a few local residents and was able to get some great feedback about local matters. This event was followed by the Sasquanaug sponsored Halloween dog parade...Bob and Erica joined in..Bob even wore a costume t-shirt supporting me!
Door to door campaigning was the best way to wrap up this eventful weekend. I hit several streets and many neighbors were home. I also ran into someone who knew me as a child which is always fun. Door to door campaigning clearly makes a difference. People are always pleased to see I'm making an extra effort and to get a chance to meet one of their candidates.

My Candidate Bio

2009-10-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

This week I submitted my candidate bio to the RTC for their mailer. I also plan to add this to my new website which should be rolled out next week. If you would like further detail relating to the experience I have listed below please feel free to contact me directly.

-Lifelong Fairfield resident

-Graduate of Fairfield High School

-8 year active volunteer Firefighter, Southport Fire Department

-Financial Secretary and Board Member, Southport Fire Department

-Past President, Southport Fire Department

-Partner at family owned Fairfield real estate company, Becker Properties LLC

-Director of Operations and Technology, Confirmed Freight LLC, Stratford, CT
-Wife: Erica

Why I am running for political office in Fairfield, CT

2009-08-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the week I was asked to explain why I am running for an RTM (Representative Town Meeting) seat in Fairfield. To be honest, the exact question was "Why are you crazy enough to do that?"

There are many reasons I am running, and for the last month I've been working on writing those ideas down because my website needs that information. My motivation has also been questioned by potential donors and will surely be questioned further in once I begin campaigning this fall.

Below you will find my answer. In the near future I will be posting a full mission statement. Soon, I will also post details regarding my positions on the issues that I plan to bring up during the fall. If anyone has feedback please send me an email.

Question: Why am I running for RTM?

Answer: I am not the type that will sit on the sidelines when I encounter an issue. Although there are other methods to be involved with political issues, political office is where I feel that I will best succeed. The Town of Fairfield is where I have lived since I was a child, where most of my immediately family now resides, and where my brother and I both have chosen to start our families. The Town of Fairfield is also the home to our family business where we have and will continue to invest our time, money, and energy. My personal and professional success are both inextricably tied to the success of Fairfield. Over the years I have met some remarkable people who have given the town their all and have done a great job in protecting the interests of the town. I am looking to expand the role that I have played in the past as a citizen running an organization that betters our community. I am hoping to move toward a position that is inside our town government so that I can help bolster the ranks of those whom I believe have been enacting positive change while at the same time protecting the longstanding interests of the Town of Fairfield.

Blog Topic - David Becker for RTM 2009 Fairfield CT

2009-08-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

Finally, my blog topic has been found! This will be one of the central places for everyone to follow my campaign this fall. I will be running as a Republican for an RTM seat in District #1 in Fairfield, CT. During the campaign I will update a mixture of the following sites.

Facebook (www.facebook.com/davidmbecker)
Twitter (www.twitter.com/davidmbecker)
Blogger (davidmbecker.blogspot.com)
Website [www.davidbecker.com (or www.davidmbecker.com)]

The best place to start out will ALWAYS be at my main website www.davidbecker.com. My most recent updates will be consolidated onto posts viewable directly on that site. (Thanks to some crafty website widgets..) You will also find links on that site to any other sites I am updating.

Over the coming weeks my updates will begin and will become more frequent as we enter the fall.

Thank you in advance to everyone for their support this fall!