Creative Ways to Increase Budget Funding
By Robin Vinci | Editor at March 23, 2024 | 5:00 pm | Print
Mayor Erin Stewart recently asked non-profits if they would be willing to pay something considering they do not pay taxes. About 50 percent of property owned in the City is by non-profits.
This week’s Question of the week asked Facebook members of the New Britain City Journal group what unconventional ways they had of adding funds for the City.
“More regional delivery of services,” said Jim McNair.
Elaine Soucy Daigle said, “A raffle. All New Britain pays an amount for a ticket for a chance at a prize. Maybe some local business would donate.”
“How about go to Papas Dodge and ask for a new car and raffle only to New Britain residents,” said Miguel Di Cicco.
“How about a municipal power plant? Under CGS § 7-213 et seq, any town, city or borough may build, buy, lease, or establish an electric system. The system can include power plants and distribution facilities for the municipality’s own use and the use of its inhabitants. Even a solar powered plant,” said Kenneth Haas. “In terms of financing, a municipality that establishes a utility or that reconstructs, extends, or enlarges its facilities may finance them by issuing revenue bonds with a term of up to 30 years. It can also issue temporary notes that can be backed by the municipality’s taxing authority as well as other revenue sources, but I’m very curious to know if Federal and State bond money can be used in lieu of New Britain’s municipal bonding and tax authority.”
Mayor Erin Stewart said the responses from residents were interesting.
“Everything is on the table when looking for ways to generate revenue,” Stewart said. “We have to do it in a way that is cost effective, makes sense and can create a large sum of money. You don’t want to spend too much to generate a couple thousand dollars. We have to go after millions.”
Stewart liked the idea of a power plant, but was unsure as to where it could be located.
The Board of Finance and Taxation also had ideas to help the budget get more funds.
The following is their list of ideas.
- City Departments offer express fees for expedited services
- The Police Department offer a self-defense course. The fee structure would be less for citizens than other municipalities.
- The Fire Marshall office shares databases.
- Attendants check ID’s at Willow Park and charge those not from New Britain.
- Reduce the number of concerts at Walnut Hill Park.
- Re-do the Blue Ribbon Committee to come up with more cost saving measures.
- The City get paving warranties from contractors.
- The fire department charge for calls outside of the City.
- The City remove longevity from contracts.
- Increase the step structure of union contracts.
- No vacancies be filled and no new positions created.
- Only contractual raises be included in budget requests.
- The Furth of July fireworks funds come from fundraising efforts.
- Making the garages profitable.
- Not have the library as an official warming center.
- Defund the Common Council Administrative Service Officer position.
