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STAMFORD, Conn. More than $985,000 was cut out of Stamfords operating budget before the Board of Representatives passed the $479.8 million spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year Monday night. It is about $13.5 million more than this current years spending plan.
The representatives took big chunks out of the police and fire department overtime. A total of $500,000 was cut from what was originally proposed by Mayor Michael Pavia $200,000 from fire and $300,000 from the police. The fire department will now have $4.25 million for overtime, and police will have $4.26 million.
City Rep. James Fountain, D-7, who proposed both cuts during a special fiscal committee meeting held earlier Monday night, said the police cuts were necessary for several reasons. He said funds could be leftover depending on the department's hiring, a study has suggested fewer officers can be on duty and the department has abused overtime.
Board Clerk Annie Summerville, D-6, disagreed with the cut, saying the results of the study have been drafted but not finalized. It may be premature to remove extra positions from the department, she said. A few years ago, several engineers were cut and that department is now understaffed, she said. She said she does not want to see the same happen to the police department.
The Board of Educations spending plan for next year survived without any more cuts after the citys finance board removed $550,000 for medical insurance it wouldnt pay. Upon hearing the news, a group of about 10 people, including several board members and schools officials, gave the representatives a standing ovation.
The Board of Finance will set the mill rate for next year at its special meeting this Wednesday, May 16. Fiscal year 2012-13 will begin July 1 and run through June 30, 2013.
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