At last night’s Board of Finance Meeting the NewHartfordPlus Crew handed a letter to the Board of Finance asking for the return to taxpayers of their statutory right to be able to consider the proposed town budget during the Annual Budget Meeting. Taxpayers will then have the ability once again to make adjustments to each item by reducing the amount allocated to that item.  The taxpayer-adjusted town budget is then brought to a vote, either during the Annual Budget Meeting or by adjourning to referendum.

Below is a copy of Maria and Bob Moore’s letter, as well as the 1990 Town Ordinance which specifies that the vote on the budget will be by referendum but which still allows taxpayers the ability to discuss (including adjusting line items as per the state statute).  We also include a copy of State Statute 7-344, Appropriations, Laying of tax, that specifies the process by which a town budget is arrived at.  New Hartford is governed by State Statute. i.e. the town does not have a charter by which it is governed, and therefore we are governed by State Statutes.

Maria And Bob Moore’s Letter

The number of the Moores' street address has been deleted according to their wish.

Town Ordinance Submitting Town Budget To Referendum After Discussion At Town Meeting

State Statute 7-344. Appropriations. Laying of tax.

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We will provide an update to this report once additional information becomes available.

Many Thanks to the Friends of NewHartfordPlus who have shared their knowledge and expertise to help clarify a very unclear process.