Public Hearing on Proposed 2012-13 Budget Tonight

The Town Council will hold a public hearing tonight on the its proposed $90,335,142 2012-13 operating budget. During the public hearing, which will begin around 7 p.m. at , residents will have the opportunity to address the council regarding the budget before the council votes to send the budget to town meeting.

The budget represents a 2.95 percent increase in the tax rate and a 3.1 percent increase in spending over the current year’s budget.

The budget includes a 2.75 percent increase in education spending, after the council voted to reduce the Board of Education’s request by more than $431,000.

After the council votes, the recommended 2012-13 budget will go before Farmington residents at the annual Town Meeting, to be held April 23. The budget referendum vote is scheduled for May 3.

If approved at referendum May 3, the council’s proposed budget would increase the mill rate from 21.27 to 21.9, an increase of 2.95 percent. The impact for an average homeowner (as defined as someone owning a house valued at $258,899) would increase by $162.34.