Thanks to School Superintendent Philip Streifer's willingness to email me these, I can share them here.
I'm putting up two Powerpoint presentations that he's made in recent days. One is a quarterly report to the Board of Finance and the other is last night's budget overview for the Board of Education.
I'm posting both of them as Powerpoint files (which I made compatible with versions stretching back to 1997 so you don't have to have the most updated software) and as PDFs that most everyone can open. They are big files so they may take a little while to open.
Budget presentation (Powerpoint version)
Budget presentation (PDF version)
Report to the Board of Finance (Powerpoint version)
Report to the Board of Finance (PDF version)
There's a lot of important information in these reports, not all of which has made it into the newspapers yet. If you're interested in what's going on with Bristol's education, I strongly recommend that you take the time to read them.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
March 6, 2008
March 5, 2008
Board of Ed gives thumbs up to 7.7 percent budget hike
Faced with rising costs and a growing number of unprepared, poverty-stricken children, the Board of Education unanimously backed a $103.3 million spending request that would make holding the line on property taxes virtually impossible.
The proposed school budget approved Wednesday would hike education spending by 7.7 percent over this year’s level in order to cover rising salaries, soaring energy costs, a growing special education burden and new efforts aimed at bolstering the academic achievement of struggling students.
“I do hope the city leaders support us in this endeavor because it’s very, very necessary,” said Karen Vibert, a school board member elected last year.
The city’s Board of Finance will review the school request within weeks, but at least some of its nine members have indicated they won’t agree to such a large increase when so many taxpayers are facing economic burdens already.
Chris Wilson, another school board member, said that administrators did a good job of keeping the increase down. He pointed out that other towns in the region are asking for hikes of 10 percent or more.
He said he hopes that finance commissioners and the City Council will offer “a favorable reception” for a much-needed increase in the school budget.
Wilson, a Republican, said that he figures the community can either pay for education today or it can pay later for the social problems created by residents who might have done better with more support in school.
“It’s either pay me now or pay me later,” Wilson said.
Superintendent Philip Streifer made much the same pitch.
“We view this as a continuing investment in the students and Bristol’s future,” he said, pointing out that existing programs have proven their value by bolstering test scores.
But with No Child Left Behind standards about to rise again, the district has to increase its efforts if it wants to meet the federally mandated student achievement levels for reading, writing and math.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Streifer said. “We’re going to have to do more to meet these rising targets.”
Susan Moreau, the deputy superintendent, said that 39 percent of Bristol’s elementary school students now come from underprivileged backgrounds that leave many of them unprepared to do well in class.
“To educate children in poverty, you should be spending considerably more,” Moreau said.
“Our concern is ever increasing needs for children at ever increasing costs,” she said.
Bristol spends less per student than most of the municipalities in the region as well as similar cities across the state. Streifer said it would take many millions of dollars to make up the funding gap that currently exists.
The school budget includes $79 million for salaries and benefits, which is up 4.7 percent over the current fiscal year, which began July 1.
It will take another $3.3 million to pay for utilities and gasoline, about 18 percent more than the current allocation.
Special education costs for students who can’t be educated in town will total nearly $5 million.
On the plus side, state aid is expected to rise nearly $2 million this year, which covers a portion of the increase. School officials said that if Bristol used all of the school aid hikes in recent years for education, there would be enough money to cover the spending level they seek.
The superintendent’s budget presentation to the Board of Education may be available by noon Thursday here on the Bristol Blog. Streifer said he would send it in the morning.
The presentation provides more details, graphs and other data to support the budget request.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The proposed school budget approved Wednesday would hike education spending by 7.7 percent over this year’s level in order to cover rising salaries, soaring energy costs, a growing special education burden and new efforts aimed at bolstering the academic achievement of struggling students.
“I do hope the city leaders support us in this endeavor because it’s very, very necessary,” said Karen Vibert, a school board member elected last year.
The city’s Board of Finance will review the school request within weeks, but at least some of its nine members have indicated they won’t agree to such a large increase when so many taxpayers are facing economic burdens already.
Chris Wilson, another school board member, said that administrators did a good job of keeping the increase down. He pointed out that other towns in the region are asking for hikes of 10 percent or more.
He said he hopes that finance commissioners and the City Council will offer “a favorable reception” for a much-needed increase in the school budget.
Wilson, a Republican, said that he figures the community can either pay for education today or it can pay later for the social problems created by residents who might have done better with more support in school.
“It’s either pay me now or pay me later,” Wilson said.
Superintendent Philip Streifer made much the same pitch.
“We view this as a continuing investment in the students and Bristol’s future,” he said, pointing out that existing programs have proven their value by bolstering test scores.
But with No Child Left Behind standards about to rise again, the district has to increase its efforts if it wants to meet the federally mandated student achievement levels for reading, writing and math.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Streifer said. “We’re going to have to do more to meet these rising targets.”
Susan Moreau, the deputy superintendent, said that 39 percent of Bristol’s elementary school students now come from underprivileged backgrounds that leave many of them unprepared to do well in class.
“To educate children in poverty, you should be spending considerably more,” Moreau said.
“Our concern is ever increasing needs for children at ever increasing costs,” she said.
Bristol spends less per student than most of the municipalities in the region as well as similar cities across the state. Streifer said it would take many millions of dollars to make up the funding gap that currently exists.
The school budget includes $79 million for salaries and benefits, which is up 4.7 percent over the current fiscal year, which began July 1.
It will take another $3.3 million to pay for utilities and gasoline, about 18 percent more than the current allocation.
Special education costs for students who can’t be educated in town will total nearly $5 million.
On the plus side, state aid is expected to rise nearly $2 million this year, which covers a portion of the increase. School officials said that if Bristol used all of the school aid hikes in recent years for education, there would be enough money to cover the spending level they seek.
The superintendent’s budget presentation to the Board of Education may be available by noon Thursday here on the Bristol Blog. Streifer said he would send it in the morning.
The presentation provides more details, graphs and other data to support the budget request.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The BRRFOC needs a new name
It's hard to find a name more clunky than "Bristol Resource Recovery Facility Operating Committee," yet that's what government officials decided to call the 14-town agency created to oversee the trash incinerator's operations back in 1986.
I suspect that former Mayor John Leone, who helped push for building the burner, bears some of the responsibility. The graceful use of language is not one of his strengths.
But even now, 22 years later, it's not too late to come to the aid of this awkwardly named government agency. After all, rebranding is a great American tradition.
Though Microsoft was doing pretty well selling MS-DOS in its early days, it didn't hit the jackpot until it put a pretty face on the computer software and began calling it Windows.
IBM started off as Tabulating Machine Company, which doesn't exactly roll of the tongue, then switched in 1924 to International Business Machines Corp., which wasn't much better. As IBM, though, it has soared.
What was once the Entertainment and Sports Program Network is now simply ESPN. It works.
And what could be more apt for this exercise than dumping the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for the simple, historical Russia?
So what could replace the BRRFOC name? Any good ideas?
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
I suspect that former Mayor John Leone, who helped push for building the burner, bears some of the responsibility. The graceful use of language is not one of his strengths.
But even now, 22 years later, it's not too late to come to the aid of this awkwardly named government agency. After all, rebranding is a great American tradition.
Though Microsoft was doing pretty well selling MS-DOS in its early days, it didn't hit the jackpot until it put a pretty face on the computer software and began calling it Windows.
IBM started off as Tabulating Machine Company, which doesn't exactly roll of the tongue, then switched in 1924 to International Business Machines Corp., which wasn't much better. As IBM, though, it has soared.
What was once the Entertainment and Sports Program Network is now simply ESPN. It works.
And what could be more apt for this exercise than dumping the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for the simple, historical Russia?
So what could replace the BRRFOC name? Any good ideas?
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Garbage and recycling fees to remain the same
The regional trash agency won’t hike the fees charged to Central Connecticut towns, including Bristol and New Britain, for using the Covanta incinerator in Bristol.
“As a result of vigilant management and prudent financial planning,” said New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart, “we were able to hold the line on the tipping fee for the fourth consecutive year.”
Bristol Resource Recovery Facility Operating Committee officials said in a prepared statement that the ability to control expenses, a stable revenue picture and the availability of reserve funds combined to keep the tipping fee competitive
“Given the tough economic conditions facing our taxpayers and municipalities,” agency officials are “extremely pleased” that a recently adopted $24 million budget won’t increase the rates paid by the 14 municipalities that use the facility, said Stewart, who chairs the agency.
The Tunxis Recycling Operating Committee, which serves many of the same communites, is holding its $35.50 charge for taking a ton of curbside recycling steady for the sixth straight year.
The trash tipping fee will remain at $65.50 per ton, which costs both Bristol and New Britain a bit more than $3 million annually.
Branford First Selectman Anthony DaRos, who serves as the agency’s treasurer, said that the BRRFOC will use reserve funds to help subsidize costs and maintain the tipping fee.
DaRos said the agency is planning to use $1.5 million from its rainy day fund to balance the coming year’s budget.
The agency’s executive director, Jonathan Bilmes, said that the costs associated with operating and maintaining the Covanta trash burning plant are slated to rise about $380,000 because of inflation.
But, he said, “we expect to offset that increase with savings in several key areas, including a reduction in property taxes assessed on the Covanta plant and a reduction in the cost of disposing of bypass waste.”
The bypass waste, which is sent elsewhere when the Bristol burner is too busy or down, will likely cost more than $1.7 million to deal with, Bilmes said. Another major agency expense is shipping the incinerator ash to a landfill.
Bilmes said that the decision to create “an ash/bypass reserve fund several years ago” helps and show why it is important for the agency “to move ahead on cost-effective waste disposal contingencies, such as the reactivation of the New Britain Transfer Station on Christian Lane in Berlin, which we hope will get off the ground in the coming year.”
The agency makes about $8 million annually selling electricity, a figure it expects to rise a bit.
The regional trash agency makes its money mostly by selling electricity and charging by the ton for the trash burned at the plant. At least 180,000 tons will be burned in the year that starts in July.
Among the municipalities whose garbage winds up in the Bristol trash burner are New Britain, Berlin, Plainville, Plymouth, Bristol, Southington, Wolcott, Branford, Prospect, Seymour, Warren, Washington, Hartland and Burlington.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
“As a result of vigilant management and prudent financial planning,” said New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart, “we were able to hold the line on the tipping fee for the fourth consecutive year.”
Bristol Resource Recovery Facility Operating Committee officials said in a prepared statement that the ability to control expenses, a stable revenue picture and the availability of reserve funds combined to keep the tipping fee competitive
“Given the tough economic conditions facing our taxpayers and municipalities,” agency officials are “extremely pleased” that a recently adopted $24 million budget won’t increase the rates paid by the 14 municipalities that use the facility, said Stewart, who chairs the agency.
The Tunxis Recycling Operating Committee, which serves many of the same communites, is holding its $35.50 charge for taking a ton of curbside recycling steady for the sixth straight year.
The trash tipping fee will remain at $65.50 per ton, which costs both Bristol and New Britain a bit more than $3 million annually.
Branford First Selectman Anthony DaRos, who serves as the agency’s treasurer, said that the BRRFOC will use reserve funds to help subsidize costs and maintain the tipping fee.
DaRos said the agency is planning to use $1.5 million from its rainy day fund to balance the coming year’s budget.
The agency’s executive director, Jonathan Bilmes, said that the costs associated with operating and maintaining the Covanta trash burning plant are slated to rise about $380,000 because of inflation.
But, he said, “we expect to offset that increase with savings in several key areas, including a reduction in property taxes assessed on the Covanta plant and a reduction in the cost of disposing of bypass waste.”
The bypass waste, which is sent elsewhere when the Bristol burner is too busy or down, will likely cost more than $1.7 million to deal with, Bilmes said. Another major agency expense is shipping the incinerator ash to a landfill.
Bilmes said that the decision to create “an ash/bypass reserve fund several years ago” helps and show why it is important for the agency “to move ahead on cost-effective waste disposal contingencies, such as the reactivation of the New Britain Transfer Station on Christian Lane in Berlin, which we hope will get off the ground in the coming year.”
The agency makes about $8 million annually selling electricity, a figure it expects to rise a bit.
The regional trash agency makes its money mostly by selling electricity and charging by the ton for the trash burned at the plant. At least 180,000 tons will be burned in the year that starts in July.
Among the municipalities whose garbage winds up in the Bristol trash burner are New Britain, Berlin, Plainville, Plymouth, Bristol, Southington, Wolcott, Branford, Prospect, Seymour, Warren, Washington, Hartland and Burlington.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Blumenthal backs Nicastro's Social Security number protection measure
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal's testimony before the General Law Committee, Tuesday, March 4, 2008:
I appreciate the opportunity to support House Bill 5658, An Act Concerning the Confidentiality of Social Security Numbers.
The proposal prohibits retailers and other businesses from requiring customers to disclose their Social Security numbers as a condition of any sale or purchase of a good or service.
Social Security numbers often are the gateway for identity theft. Federal law restricts government agency requests for such information but does not regulate how businesses require or use social security numbers. Yet, the likelihood of identity theft from Social Security numbers is just as great when such information is in the possession of private businesses as they are in the possession of governmental agencies.
Over the past two years it has become unfortunately all too common for a business data base to be compromised by hackers or identity thieves. In a number of these situations, consumers' Social Security numbers were part of the stolen information, causing significant financial problems for these consumers.
Often, Social Security information is unnecessary in order for the business to transact a sale or lease with a consumer. Yet, the businesses request the information and it becomes part of the data base of the business.
Five years ago, the General Assembly had the wisdom to restrict public display of Social Security numbers or use of such information as membership identification numbers. The proposal in this legislation simply extends that identity theft initiative to prohibit businesses from demanding Social Security numbers in return for the purchase or lease of goods or services. The committee may wish to provide an exception for legitimate business purposes such as extension of credit, where a Social Security number may be required to assure access to credit reports.
I urge the committee's favorable consideration of House Bill 5658.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
I appreciate the opportunity to support House Bill 5658, An Act Concerning the Confidentiality of Social Security Numbers.
The proposal prohibits retailers and other businesses from requiring customers to disclose their Social Security numbers as a condition of any sale or purchase of a good or service.
Social Security numbers often are the gateway for identity theft. Federal law restricts government agency requests for such information but does not regulate how businesses require or use social security numbers. Yet, the likelihood of identity theft from Social Security numbers is just as great when such information is in the possession of private businesses as they are in the possession of governmental agencies.
Over the past two years it has become unfortunately all too common for a business data base to be compromised by hackers or identity thieves. In a number of these situations, consumers' Social Security numbers were part of the stolen information, causing significant financial problems for these consumers.
Often, Social Security information is unnecessary in order for the business to transact a sale or lease with a consumer. Yet, the businesses request the information and it becomes part of the data base of the business.
Five years ago, the General Assembly had the wisdom to restrict public display of Social Security numbers or use of such information as membership identification numbers. The proposal in this legislation simply extends that identity theft initiative to prohibit businesses from demanding Social Security numbers in return for the purchase or lease of goods or services. The committee may wish to provide an exception for legitimate business purposes such as extension of credit, where a Social Security number may be required to assure access to credit reports.
I urge the committee's favorable consideration of House Bill 5658.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
March 4, 2008
False accusers targeted by Bristol lawmaker
Those convicted of filing false accusations with the police should wind up on an online false accuser registry, says a Bristol lawmaker.
“People should be able to easily find out who has falsely accused someone of a crime,” said state Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat who has represented the 31st District since 1992.
Colapietro said Tuesday that he would like to be able to look up names easily to find out if anyone nearby has lodged fake criminal charges in the past.
For instance, he said, if a woman next door was on the register, he would avoid her.
“I don’t want to talk to you for fear you’ll say I raped you,” Colapietro said.
The registry, he said, “would allow anyone to know who’s living next door to you or upstairs from you.”
The only online registry the state currently operates lists sex offenders. All sorts of violent criminals, drug dealers and other lawbreakers are not placed on an online registry, though there are occasional calls to add some of them, too.
The veteran senator said he asked the judiciary committee to take up the cause of exposing false accusers because new legislation this year can only come through committee channels.
He said he knows the odds of the panel taking up the issue this session are low, but he hopes the committee will allow a public hearing on it.
Colapietro said legislative colleagues should “at least bring it up for discussion.”
It doesn’t appear that any other state has a similar registry. A few privately operated websites across the country list some people who have allegedly made false accusations of child abuse or rape, typically as part of a domestic dispute.
Colapietro said he was warned that some women’s rights groups might not like his idea, but he still thinks it has merit.
He said that false accusers exist across a spectrum of crimes. One example, he said, is when a group of teenagers are in a car accident and they each point to others as the driver, hoping to avoid responsibility themselves.
“It’s not just women. It’s all kinds of people,” Colapietro said.
It’s difficult to say how many Connecticut residents are convicted of filing false accusations. The statistics are not readily available.
Under existing state law, knowingly giving information related to an actual occurrence that is false is considered a class A misdemeanor. Those convicted of crime in the second degree serve a maximum of one year in prison.
“The penalty for making a false accusation is not steep enough,” Colapietro said.
“We need to make sure that, when a person suffers because someone made a false accusation about them, at the end of the day they get justice under our law,” he said.
The senator said the registry will help the public and “also help to deter people from making false accusations and help to affirm those people who are truly victims and are seeking help from law enforcement officials.”
“If you falsely accuse somebody, then you ought to be on the list,” Colapietro said.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
“People should be able to easily find out who has falsely accused someone of a crime,” said state Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat who has represented the 31st District since 1992.
Colapietro said Tuesday that he would like to be able to look up names easily to find out if anyone nearby has lodged fake criminal charges in the past.
For instance, he said, if a woman next door was on the register, he would avoid her.
“I don’t want to talk to you for fear you’ll say I raped you,” Colapietro said.
The registry, he said, “would allow anyone to know who’s living next door to you or upstairs from you.”
The only online registry the state currently operates lists sex offenders. All sorts of violent criminals, drug dealers and other lawbreakers are not placed on an online registry, though there are occasional calls to add some of them, too.
The veteran senator said he asked the judiciary committee to take up the cause of exposing false accusers because new legislation this year can only come through committee channels.
He said he knows the odds of the panel taking up the issue this session are low, but he hopes the committee will allow a public hearing on it.
Colapietro said legislative colleagues should “at least bring it up for discussion.”
It doesn’t appear that any other state has a similar registry. A few privately operated websites across the country list some people who have allegedly made false accusations of child abuse or rape, typically as part of a domestic dispute.
Colapietro said he was warned that some women’s rights groups might not like his idea, but he still thinks it has merit.
He said that false accusers exist across a spectrum of crimes. One example, he said, is when a group of teenagers are in a car accident and they each point to others as the driver, hoping to avoid responsibility themselves.
“It’s not just women. It’s all kinds of people,” Colapietro said.
It’s difficult to say how many Connecticut residents are convicted of filing false accusations. The statistics are not readily available.
Under existing state law, knowingly giving information related to an actual occurrence that is false is considered a class A misdemeanor. Those convicted of crime in the second degree serve a maximum of one year in prison.
“The penalty for making a false accusation is not steep enough,” Colapietro said.
“We need to make sure that, when a person suffers because someone made a false accusation about them, at the end of the day they get justice under our law,” he said.
The senator said the registry will help the public and “also help to deter people from making false accusations and help to affirm those people who are truly victims and are seeking help from law enforcement officials.”
“If you falsely accuse somebody, then you ought to be on the list,” Colapietro said.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Service with a smile ... at City Hall?
Throughout city offices, double-sided yellow signs are going up this week that say, “Welcome to the City of Bristol – How may we help you today?”
The idea, said Mayor Art Ward, is to let the public know “we’re all here to be consumer-friendly.”
The mayor said Tuesday he gave out about 100 placards so that every city office would have at least one in the hope that it would create a mindset among employees and residents that city government exists to serve the public.
“Wherever there’s a city office, there will be a sign,” Ward said.
“It creates a sense of mutual cooperation,” Ward said.
The initiative isn’t costing taxpayers much – just some copies and plastic stands to hold them up – but if the mayor’s right, there may be a payoff in terms of improved attitudes among both municipal workers and the people they serve.
Ward said that almost every city employee “has the intent of doing the job” to benefit the community that pays the bills. He said most enjoy working for Bristol’s government.
But, he said, it doesn’t hurt to remind everyone that the goal is to aid residents who need the city’s assistance.
Ward said the department heads who received the signs during a meeting Tuesday had a “very favorable” reaction to the initiative.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The idea, said Mayor Art Ward, is to let the public know “we’re all here to be consumer-friendly.”
The mayor said Tuesday he gave out about 100 placards so that every city office would have at least one in the hope that it would create a mindset among employees and residents that city government exists to serve the public.
“Wherever there’s a city office, there will be a sign,” Ward said.
“It creates a sense of mutual cooperation,” Ward said.
The initiative isn’t costing taxpayers much – just some copies and plastic stands to hold them up – but if the mayor’s right, there may be a payoff in terms of improved attitudes among both municipal workers and the people they serve.
Ward said that almost every city employee “has the intent of doing the job” to benefit the community that pays the bills. He said most enjoy working for Bristol’s government.
But, he said, it doesn’t hurt to remind everyone that the goal is to aid residents who need the city’s assistance.
Ward said the department heads who received the signs during a meeting Tuesday had a “very favorable” reaction to the initiative.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Colapietro says state need online criminal registry listing those who make false accusations
Press release just issued by state Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat:
State Senator Thomas Colapietro (D-Bristol) this year will push for creation of an online registry for individuals found to have intentionally falsely accused others of criminal conduct.
“People should be able to easily find out who has falsely accused someone of a crime,” said Senator Colapietro. “Not only will this registry help members of the public, it will also help to deter people from making false accusations and help to affirm those people who are truly victims and are seeking help from law enforcement officials.”
Under existing state law, knowingly giving information related to an actual occurrence that is false is considered a Class A misdemeanor (C.G.S. § 53a-180c(a)(3)). Individuals convicted of falsely reporting an incident in the second degree can serve a maximum of one year in prison.
“The penalty for making a false accusation is not steep enough,” Senator Colapietro said. “We need to make sure that, when a person suffers because someone made a false accusation about them, at the end of the day they get justice under our law.”
Senator Colapietro has asked the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee to raise the concept as legislation during this year’s regular session.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
State Senator Thomas Colapietro (D-Bristol) this year will push for creation of an online registry for individuals found to have intentionally falsely accused others of criminal conduct.
“People should be able to easily find out who has falsely accused someone of a crime,” said Senator Colapietro. “Not only will this registry help members of the public, it will also help to deter people from making false accusations and help to affirm those people who are truly victims and are seeking help from law enforcement officials.”
Under existing state law, knowingly giving information related to an actual occurrence that is false is considered a Class A misdemeanor (C.G.S. § 53a-180c(a)(3)). Individuals convicted of falsely reporting an incident in the second degree can serve a maximum of one year in prison.
“The penalty for making a false accusation is not steep enough,” Senator Colapietro said. “We need to make sure that, when a person suffers because someone made a false accusation about them, at the end of the day they get justice under our law.”
Senator Colapietro has asked the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee to raise the concept as legislation during this year’s regular session.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
March 3, 2008
Hearing Tuesday on Nicastro's Social Security number protection bill
There's a public hearing slated for 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford that includes among its subjects the Social Security number protection bill championed by state Rep. Frank Nicastro, a Bristol Democrat.
If people want to testify, they should "most certainly" come to the hearing in Room 1C, Nicastro said.
Nicastro said other measures are also on the agenda so his bill is not the only topic of discussion. But if anyone wants to speak on it, they can sign up at the hearing and they'll get a shot (fair warning: it can take awhile).
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
If people want to testify, they should "most certainly" come to the hearing in Room 1C, Nicastro said.
Nicastro said other measures are also on the agenda so his bill is not the only topic of discussion. But if anyone wants to speak on it, they can sign up at the hearing and they'll get a shot (fair warning: it can take awhile).
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Cockayne seeks ethics ruling on three council colleagues
City Councilor Ken Cockayne filed this with the city's Ethics Board today:
March 3, 2008
To: Ethics Board, City of Bristol, Connecticut
Re: Ethics Ruling for Councilman Kevin McCauley, Councilman Frank Nicastro, Sr. and Mayor Art Ward.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am requesting an Ethics Ruling regarding the ability of the aforementioned individuals, to participate in votes regarding GASB45/OPEB. Simply put, an issue that is being considered is the transfer of money from an over funded pension fund to a new post employment benefits health fund for current and former city employees, as allowed for by IRS regulations. The transfer of these funds can save the tax payers of Bristol approximately two million dollars per year. I fear that there may be conflicts of interest for these individuals as they or their immediate family will be directly affected by the outcome of any decisions made regarding this issue.
In regards to Councilman Kevin McCauley:
As a firefighter he is currently in the Fire Fighters Pension and at retirement will receive a retirement pension as well as post employment health insurance from these funds. He is also a member of the local Firefighters Union.
In regards to Councilman Frank Nicastro:
As a retired Truant Officer and former Mayor he is currently receiving retirement benefits as well as post employment benefits of 10 years of health insurance from these funds.
In regards to Mayor Arthur Ward:
Mayor Ward’s wife is a former city employee, retired from the Bristol Board of Education, while his son is a Detective in the Bristol Police Department and a member of the Bristol Police Union. Both of these individuals will be affected by any decisions made on this issue as they will be beneficiaries of post retirement benefits from these funds.
In Sec. 2-129 Conflict of interests ( c ) it states,
“No official who has a financial or personal interest, either individually or as a member of a group that has a financial or personal interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction or contract with the city, or decision of any board, body, or commission, or in the sale of real estate, material, supplies, or services to the city, on which he may be called to act upon in his official capacity, shall vote upon or otherwise participate in the transaction, contract or decision and shall excuse himself from the proceedings in accordance with Section 55 of Charter of the City of Bristol.”
I do not require confidentiality on this matter and will be happy to meet with your board to answer any questions you may have. Your prompt attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ken Cockayne
1st District Councilman
March 3, 2008
To: Ethics Board, City of Bristol, Connecticut
Re: Ethics Ruling for Councilman Kevin McCauley, Councilman Frank Nicastro, Sr. and Mayor Art Ward.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am requesting an Ethics Ruling regarding the ability of the aforementioned individuals, to participate in votes regarding GASB45/OPEB. Simply put, an issue that is being considered is the transfer of money from an over funded pension fund to a new post employment benefits health fund for current and former city employees, as allowed for by IRS regulations. The transfer of these funds can save the tax payers of Bristol approximately two million dollars per year. I fear that there may be conflicts of interest for these individuals as they or their immediate family will be directly affected by the outcome of any decisions made regarding this issue.
In regards to Councilman Kevin McCauley:
As a firefighter he is currently in the Fire Fighters Pension and at retirement will receive a retirement pension as well as post employment health insurance from these funds. He is also a member of the local Firefighters Union.
In regards to Councilman Frank Nicastro:
As a retired Truant Officer and former Mayor he is currently receiving retirement benefits as well as post employment benefits of 10 years of health insurance from these funds.
In regards to Mayor Arthur Ward:
Mayor Ward’s wife is a former city employee, retired from the Bristol Board of Education, while his son is a Detective in the Bristol Police Department and a member of the Bristol Police Union. Both of these individuals will be affected by any decisions made on this issue as they will be beneficiaries of post retirement benefits from these funds.
In Sec. 2-129 Conflict of interests ( c ) it states,
“No official who has a financial or personal interest, either individually or as a member of a group that has a financial or personal interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction or contract with the city, or decision of any board, body, or commission, or in the sale of real estate, material, supplies, or services to the city, on which he may be called to act upon in his official capacity, shall vote upon or otherwise participate in the transaction, contract or decision and shall excuse himself from the proceedings in accordance with Section 55 of Charter of the City of Bristol.”
I do not require confidentiality on this matter and will be happy to meet with your board to answer any questions you may have. Your prompt attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ken Cockayne
1st District Councilman
Click here for more about the GASB 45 fund
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Grand List up by $1.2 billion
The numbers are in and, to nobody's surprise, the city's worth more than ever.
On the heels of revaluation, the Grand List rose from $3 billion last year to $4.2 billion this time around.
Almost all of the increase is the result of soaring real estate values, with condominiums and rental property leading the way.
Though it's hard to say exactly what the impact on property tax bills will be, becaus the mill rate will go down, it's virtually certain that those who own condominiums, apartment houses and multi-family units are going to be shelling out more.
That's because the value of those properties rose much faster than the average value in town, according to the assessor's office.
Single family homes, commercial and industrial property did not rise as quickly so most owners won't see significant hikes in their bills.
ESPN remains by far the largest taxpayer in town, with about $245 million worth of land and equipment, but the rest of the Top 10 list got juggled this year. The assessor's office is, however, still working out exactly which taxpayers should make the annual tally.
Here's the final version of the story:
On the heels of revaluation, the city’s Grand List soared 38 percent in value last year to more than $4.2 billion.
“Not too shabby,” said Mayor Art Ward. “It’s comforting to know we have a solid base that can provide the services we need for the community.”
While the Grand List itself doesn’t have any direct impact on property taxes, it does provide a clue about who’s most likely to get socked harder when tax bills are mailed out this summer.
Those who own rental property or condominiums are mostly likely to get socked because they hold property which saw the most rapid rise in value since the last revaluation five years ago.
Personal property – the equipment owned by about 2,500 businesses in town – saw a 2 percent decline in value since last year.
That’s “mostly due to the economy,” said Judy Dick, the city’s acting assessor. “Because of the economy, we’re not seeing a lot of new stuff.”
On the other hand, the value of motor vehicles in Bristol rose by $3.3 million to $342 million in all, which typically doesn’t happen during hard times. Dick said that people are still buying new cars, which keeps the overall value from slipping.
One thing that can’t be determined from the new Grand List is how much new growth there’s been in the past year. Because of revaluation, Dick said there’s no simple way to say how much more value was added to Bristol’s rolls in the past 12 months from new construction.
Dick said Monday that the overall Grand List rose 38 percent in value. Single-family homes went up only modestly more, on average seeing a 46 percent increase in their assessments.
But homes for two to four families, which include the many three-deckers in older sections of town, went up 74 percent in value, on average, while apartment houses and condominiums had assessments rise by two-thirds.
Commercial and industrial property went up an average of 40 percent.
Property that went up more than the average is likely to produce a higher tax bill this year while those that lagged behind may see a property tax cut.
City Comptroller Glenn Klocko said that the Board of Finance and Ward are pushing to hold down city spending as much as possible this year in part because of the shifts in tax burden produced by revaluation.
The Massachusetts-based Vision Appraisal got nearly $800,000 to handle much of the revaluation work in Bristol during the past two years.
Revaluation in itself doesn’t raise or lower property taxes, but updates frequently shift the tax burden between commercial and residential property taxpayers depending on whose property has risen most in value.
Though the shift in 2002 put a greater burden on homeowners, it isn’t always that way. In 1998, for example, most city homeowners saw their taxes shrink because values had gone relative to commercial property during the previous decade.
The final taxable property numbers are likely to be adjusted slightly by mid-May as about 200 assessment appeals are decided. People who want to challenge their new assessments have until March 20 to file the necessary paperwork.
The Grand List does not include hundreds of millions of dollars worth of exempt property, including Bristol Hospital, churches, cemeteries and parks.The overall net assessment for the Grand List released Monday totals $4,238,467,940.Real estate makes up $3,655,726,600 of the net total, while personal property used by businesses tallies $244,135,860. Motor vehicles add another $338,605,480.
Because of a computer glitch, the annual Top 10 List was not yet available Monday, though it is clear that ESPN is at its head by a wide margin.
ESPN tops list
The city’s largest taxpayer, ESPN, just keeps getting bigger.
But its rate of growth slowed considerably last year.
The city assessor pegged the value of ESPN’s Bristol complex at $245.4 million last year, a jump of $4.7 million over the previous year.
Though a $4.7 million increase by any other company would be astounding, it is one of the lowest annual increases the sports giant has posted.
Part of the reason is that its personal property – the computers and broadcast equipment it uses – were worth $11 million less in 2007 than they were the previous year. That’s because even the newest electronics lose their value quickly.
Other top taxpayers in town include the Covanta trash burning plant, Carpenter Realty, Theis Precision Steel and Connecticut Light and Power. An explicit Top 10 list should be available soon.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
On the heels of revaluation, the Grand List rose from $3 billion last year to $4.2 billion this time around.
Almost all of the increase is the result of soaring real estate values, with condominiums and rental property leading the way.
Though it's hard to say exactly what the impact on property tax bills will be, becaus the mill rate will go down, it's virtually certain that those who own condominiums, apartment houses and multi-family units are going to be shelling out more.
That's because the value of those properties rose much faster than the average value in town, according to the assessor's office.
Single family homes, commercial and industrial property did not rise as quickly so most owners won't see significant hikes in their bills.
ESPN remains by far the largest taxpayer in town, with about $245 million worth of land and equipment, but the rest of the Top 10 list got juggled this year. The assessor's office is, however, still working out exactly which taxpayers should make the annual tally.
Here's the final version of the story:
On the heels of revaluation, the city’s Grand List soared 38 percent in value last year to more than $4.2 billion.
“Not too shabby,” said Mayor Art Ward. “It’s comforting to know we have a solid base that can provide the services we need for the community.”
While the Grand List itself doesn’t have any direct impact on property taxes, it does provide a clue about who’s most likely to get socked harder when tax bills are mailed out this summer.
Those who own rental property or condominiums are mostly likely to get socked because they hold property which saw the most rapid rise in value since the last revaluation five years ago.
Personal property – the equipment owned by about 2,500 businesses in town – saw a 2 percent decline in value since last year.
That’s “mostly due to the economy,” said Judy Dick, the city’s acting assessor. “Because of the economy, we’re not seeing a lot of new stuff.”
On the other hand, the value of motor vehicles in Bristol rose by $3.3 million to $342 million in all, which typically doesn’t happen during hard times. Dick said that people are still buying new cars, which keeps the overall value from slipping.
One thing that can’t be determined from the new Grand List is how much new growth there’s been in the past year. Because of revaluation, Dick said there’s no simple way to say how much more value was added to Bristol’s rolls in the past 12 months from new construction.
Dick said Monday that the overall Grand List rose 38 percent in value. Single-family homes went up only modestly more, on average seeing a 46 percent increase in their assessments.
But homes for two to four families, which include the many three-deckers in older sections of town, went up 74 percent in value, on average, while apartment houses and condominiums had assessments rise by two-thirds.
Commercial and industrial property went up an average of 40 percent.
Property that went up more than the average is likely to produce a higher tax bill this year while those that lagged behind may see a property tax cut.
City Comptroller Glenn Klocko said that the Board of Finance and Ward are pushing to hold down city spending as much as possible this year in part because of the shifts in tax burden produced by revaluation.
The Massachusetts-based Vision Appraisal got nearly $800,000 to handle much of the revaluation work in Bristol during the past two years.
Revaluation in itself doesn’t raise or lower property taxes, but updates frequently shift the tax burden between commercial and residential property taxpayers depending on whose property has risen most in value.
Though the shift in 2002 put a greater burden on homeowners, it isn’t always that way. In 1998, for example, most city homeowners saw their taxes shrink because values had gone relative to commercial property during the previous decade.
The final taxable property numbers are likely to be adjusted slightly by mid-May as about 200 assessment appeals are decided. People who want to challenge their new assessments have until March 20 to file the necessary paperwork.
The Grand List does not include hundreds of millions of dollars worth of exempt property, including Bristol Hospital, churches, cemeteries and parks.The overall net assessment for the Grand List released Monday totals $4,238,467,940.Real estate makes up $3,655,726,600 of the net total, while personal property used by businesses tallies $244,135,860. Motor vehicles add another $338,605,480.
Because of a computer glitch, the annual Top 10 List was not yet available Monday, though it is clear that ESPN is at its head by a wide margin.
ESPN tops list
The city’s largest taxpayer, ESPN, just keeps getting bigger.
But its rate of growth slowed considerably last year.
The city assessor pegged the value of ESPN’s Bristol complex at $245.4 million last year, a jump of $4.7 million over the previous year.
Though a $4.7 million increase by any other company would be astounding, it is one of the lowest annual increases the sports giant has posted.
Part of the reason is that its personal property – the computers and broadcast equipment it uses – were worth $11 million less in 2007 than they were the previous year. That’s because even the newest electronics lose their value quickly.
Other top taxpayers in town include the Covanta trash burning plant, Carpenter Realty, Theis Precision Steel and Connecticut Light and Power. An explicit Top 10 list should be available soon.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Social Security office safe for another year
U.S. Rep. John Larson, the East Hartford Democrat who represents Bristol, has provided "at least another year" for Bristol's Social Security office, according to Mayor Art Ward.
Ward got a call from a top Larson aide a few hours ago.
"That is beautiful," Ward said. "A nice way to start a Monday."
Ward said that the extra time will give officials a lengthy period to prove the need for the office in Bristol.
Update at 3:26 p.m. -
A press release just came in from Larson's office, which says:
Connecticut Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) are thrilled to announce that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has decided to keep the Bristol field office open for at least another year. The SSA had threatened to close the office last year, sending thousands of local seniors to New Britain for their Social Security needs. During the year, the SSA will continue to review the need for the Bristol office.
The Social Security Administration cited in letters to the Congressional delegation today, that adequate funding for 2008 is one of the key reasons they will keep the office open. The entire delegation fought to increase funding for the SSA in appropriations legislation so that it could better serve the people of Connecticut and the entire country.
Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) said, “This announcement is great news for the residents of Bristol, especially for Bristol’s senior citizens who depend on their local Social Security office for vital information and assistance. While I applaud the SSA for their decision to keep the office open for another year, I am also well aware that today we have only won a battle. I will continue to fight alongside my colleagues Senator Lieberman and Representative Larson over the coming year to help ensure that the residents of Bristol do not lose this critically important resource.”
Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) said, “I am extremely pleased to hear that the Bristol Social Security Office will remain open for another year. This is a significant victory for the citizens and public servants of Bristol – as well as surrounding communities such as Plymouth, Terryville, and Burlington – who depend on having access to vital services at this location. I am certain that further review by the Social Security Administration should reveal what a severe hardship would fall upon thousands of elderly and disabled citizens in our state, and I encourage the SSA to keep the Bristol office open. In the meantime, Senator Dodd, Congressman Larson, and I will do everything we can to ensure that adequate funds are appropriated for the SSA.”
Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) said, “The Bristol office of the Social Security Administration is an important part of the Bristol Community and vital to the seniors it serves. I am very pleased with SSA’s decision to keep the office open for another year. I look forward to continuing my work with Commissioner Michael Astrue, the SSA and the entire delegation to keep the office open. All residents, most importantly our local seniors, should know that they will be able to turn to their local Social Security office for assistance and guidance for many years to come.”
Update at 5 p.m. -
Governor Jodi Rell just issued this statement: "This is most welcome news. Closing the office would have significantly burdened the elderly population of the Bristol area, so I am thrilled to see that our state delegation has resolved the situation. Now, Bristol seniors will not have to travel to New Britain when they need to visit the Social Security office."
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Ward got a call from a top Larson aide a few hours ago.
"That is beautiful," Ward said. "A nice way to start a Monday."
Ward said that the extra time will give officials a lengthy period to prove the need for the office in Bristol.
Update at 3:26 p.m. -
A press release just came in from Larson's office, which says:
Connecticut Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) are thrilled to announce that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has decided to keep the Bristol field office open for at least another year. The SSA had threatened to close the office last year, sending thousands of local seniors to New Britain for their Social Security needs. During the year, the SSA will continue to review the need for the Bristol office.
The Social Security Administration cited in letters to the Congressional delegation today, that adequate funding for 2008 is one of the key reasons they will keep the office open. The entire delegation fought to increase funding for the SSA in appropriations legislation so that it could better serve the people of Connecticut and the entire country.
Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) said, “This announcement is great news for the residents of Bristol, especially for Bristol’s senior citizens who depend on their local Social Security office for vital information and assistance. While I applaud the SSA for their decision to keep the office open for another year, I am also well aware that today we have only won a battle. I will continue to fight alongside my colleagues Senator Lieberman and Representative Larson over the coming year to help ensure that the residents of Bristol do not lose this critically important resource.”
Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) said, “I am extremely pleased to hear that the Bristol Social Security Office will remain open for another year. This is a significant victory for the citizens and public servants of Bristol – as well as surrounding communities such as Plymouth, Terryville, and Burlington – who depend on having access to vital services at this location. I am certain that further review by the Social Security Administration should reveal what a severe hardship would fall upon thousands of elderly and disabled citizens in our state, and I encourage the SSA to keep the Bristol office open. In the meantime, Senator Dodd, Congressman Larson, and I will do everything we can to ensure that adequate funds are appropriated for the SSA.”
Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) said, “The Bristol office of the Social Security Administration is an important part of the Bristol Community and vital to the seniors it serves. I am very pleased with SSA’s decision to keep the office open for another year. I look forward to continuing my work with Commissioner Michael Astrue, the SSA and the entire delegation to keep the office open. All residents, most importantly our local seniors, should know that they will be able to turn to their local Social Security office for assistance and guidance for many years to come.”
Update at 5 p.m. -
Governor Jodi Rell just issued this statement: "This is most welcome news. Closing the office would have significantly burdened the elderly population of the Bristol area, so I am thrilled to see that our state delegation has resolved the situation. Now, Bristol seniors will not have to travel to New Britain when they need to visit the Social Security office."
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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