Council Holds Final Budget Discussion

The budget Windsor Town Council members intend to send to referendum in May will be revealed Wednesday night during a special meeting featuring the councilors' final deliberations.

An overall increase similar to the 2.8 percent increase proposed by Town Manager Peter Souza can be expected, as councilor's have not voiced the removal of large amounts of funds from the proposal.

Councilor Donald Jepsen (R) expressed empathy for those asking for a zero-percent increase in hard economic times, but to do so would force the council to completely cut major programs or organizations.

"We can cut $1.4 million from the budget if we don't fund the libraries," said Jepsen Monday. "I just don't have the stomach for that."

What was proposed in preliminary deliberations is the removal of funding for First Town Downtown (FTDT) and SummerWind.

The Town Manager's proposal provides $20,000 and $10,000 to the organizations, respectively.

Without First Town Downtown, residents can say "Goodbye" to Halloween's Nightmare on Broad Street celebration, the holiday Torchlight Parade and Carole Sing, the summer Farmer's Market, Taste of Windsor and concerts on the Green, says Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jane Garibay.

"The Chamber does not have the funds or capacity to pick up those events."

But while those popular Windsor Center are what FTDT has come to be known for, the non-profit is responsible for a great deal of other work in town, Garibay adds.

In the past, First Town Downtown was instrumental in bringing the First Town Square condominiums to town, says Garibay, adding that the organization works closely with Jim Burke and the Town to enhance Windsor Center, including the survey of Windsor Center businesses and working with Neill Sachdev to revitalize the Plaza Building.

"Now (Windsor Center's) transportation hub is going to be huge... Nat Hayden's is expanding. Selig Jewelers is expanding... First Town is going to have an even more important role."

Even with forced pay cuts after the organization's funding was cut in half last year, and tough economic times, First Town Downtown has reported significant growth over the past year.

According to First Town Downtown Coordinator Ashley Dufresne, the group has raised more than $20,000 since July 2011 — more than any other year over the past five years. In addition, the group was able to save $9,500 through pay cuts and scaling back on everyday office expenses like Website hosting and postage.

The groups membership has also nearly doubled, according to Garibay.

The Town Council will meet Wed., April 25 at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall Council Chambers.

The Council will also vote to set a referendum date for May.