Non-Government Agencies, Library Cuts Debated at Budget Public Hearing

On Tuesday night, several Bethel residents gathered at Bethel High School to share their opinions and concerns about the 2011-12 budget approved by the Board of Fiance.

Most of the conversation turned to the Board of Finance's decision to cut town funding for non-government agencies, such as the Veteran's Holding Company, The Women's Center and Meals on Wheels.

Jill Shaw, coordinator of Bethel's Meals on Wheels Program, said for the past 35 years, the all-voluenteer organization brings foods to the town's elderly and handicapped. 

"Meals on Wheels is not just about the food, it is about taking care of the elderly in Bethel," Shaw said. "Giving funding to Meals on Wheels is not donating to a charity, it is an investment for the citizens of Bethel."

At the budget approval meeting, as well as Tuesday night, the Board of Finance said they felt it was unfair to force the taxpayers to pay for these organizations.

"We received a lot of feedback from Bethel taxpayers, who said all taxpayers should not be forced to contribute their taxes to certain charities, but each taxpayer can contribute their own money to the charities of their choice," Board of Finance Chairman William Slifkin said. 

Bethel Town Clerk Lisa Bergh came in support of the Women's Center and said: "In 1995-96, my children and I were clients of the Women's Center and if it weren't for them, I wouldn't be where I am today."

The Women's Center helps more than 2,000 Bethel residents, women and families, every year with a variety of services such as counseling, education and providing emergency shelter.

It was later revealed at the meeting that reinstating the town funding non-government agencies would cost each taxpayer about $2.50. Slifkin said the Board of Finance would consider refunding the account after hearing from taxpayers. 

Jan Bickford, chairman of the Library Board, was one of many that came to ask to for more than $2,000 reinstated to the library's budget. It was believed that the Board of Finance cut that money because the library didn't return leftover money from last year and spent it on books and supplies.

Board of Finance member James Roden said the cuts came from part-time help at the library. 

"What stresses me the most is that it feels like the decrease is based on personal opinion," Bickford said. "...which is something I understand, times are though, but it appears that personal opinion is more important that following the rules of the town."

Resident Billy Michael said he was against funding the non-governement agencies as well as giving more funds the library.

"It's so reprehensible that nine elected officials have to decide for 11,000 voters what charities they should give to," Michael said. "...The library could always charge for its services. They could charge a buck for a video, .50 cents for a CD, a dollar for the children's programs."

The meeting lasted about two hours at the Bethel High School auditorium. No date has been set for a public vote on the budget.