Op-Ed: Council Democrats Address Stormwater, Audit and Shelter For Unhoused Issues
Hearing From Citizens Will Be Essential During City Budget Process
Two months into a new term the new Democratic majority on the Common Council is working on key issues raised in last year’s municipal election and in responding to public concerns on housing and shelter for the unhoused, stormwater infrastructure and the status of the city audit.
Council Democrats are committed to making city government responsive and accountable and restoring a bipartisan approach to moving the city forward. Our progress will be based on policies and actions that can improve the well-being of all residents.
Majority Caucus Update From President Pro Tempore Francisco Santiago (5), Majority Leader John McNamara (4) and Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (3)
This monthly majority caucus report is the first to keep the community informed about Council business and to encourage public participation in city government at the Council and boards and commissions.
Housing and Shelter For The Unhoused: Higher rents, evictions and a shortage of affordable housing are creating increasing demands on under-funded shelters and support services for the unhoused in New Britain and the region. Compelling testimony from unhoused New Britain persons and advocates dominated public participation at the last two Council meetings. Council members have been assessing current capacity and responding individually. The Council will hold a special meeting January 23rd on city efforts and actions, as well as to consider “sustainable solutions and collaborative endeavors to combat homelessness.” Members of the Community Services Division and Department of Planning and Development will be participating. In addition, a bipartisan resolution drafted by Ald. Neil Connors (4) to create a subcommittee on housing and homelessness was referred to the Planning, Zoning and Housing Committee (PZH) chaired by Ald. Nate Simpson (1) on January 10. Introducing the resolution Ald. Connors said PZH will determine if the subcommittee can be beneficial to “avoid duplication of efforts, and to bring together all the ideas that community members and stakeholders have to improve the situation facing our unhoused fellow residents.”
Stormwater Infrastructure: In response to a public outcry from two neighborhoods last fall repeatedly flooded from heavy rains, the prior Common Council committed $6 million in funds for the repair of undersized and deteriorated stormwater and sewer mains in the Allen Street-Hampton-Roxbury Road and Overlook and McKinley Avenue neighborhoods. Citizen action led by Frank and Sharon Chase and others prodded the city to authorize funds. Although identified for improvements over at least 10 years and problems that go back 30 years, start dates have been repeatedly delayed because of funding issues and use of available funds for other purposes. The delays have continued to take a financial and personal toll on residents experiencing basement flooding and property damages. In November and December the Common Council authorized $161,200 for Public Works’ on-call engineering work for final designs before the projects can begin. These are small but important steps toward the city — working with state and federal governments — to put storm water system upgrades at the top of the capital improvement list and to accelerate green infrastructure practices to sustain homes and neighborhoods.
City Audit Status: A resolution to re-establish a Council audit subcommittee was favorably recommended by the Administration, Finance and Law Committee (AFL) on January 3rd for Council approval at the January 24th meeting. The audit sub-committee, adhering to state law that says the Council is the “appointing authority” for auditors, will review and approve “all items relating to the selection of an independent auditor for the City of New Britain.” The AFL Committee will also review the findings of the delayed 2022 audit that was not available until mid-December. Consequently, the 2023 audit, due on December 31st, will be delayed. Progress by the Finance Department will be monitored on correcting weaknesses that led to delay and non-compliance.
The City Budget For 2025: In June the Common Council will adopt a municipal budget for the year that begins July 1, 2024 that will maintain essential services and set new priorities. Last year’s record property tax increases were a reminder that the task of arriving at a fiscally responsible plan that addresses community needs will be as challenging as ever
The budget process begins this month with city departments and the Board of Education proposing their expenditures. The Board of Finance and Taxation will hold hearings in February on the proposed budgets and will send recommendations for operating expenses, capital improvements and the tax rate to the Mayor. By April 10th the Mayor’s Proposed Budget will go to the Common Council. The Council will schedule a public hearing in April. After its review the Council will adopt the budget on June 5th and send it to the Mayor.
Through every step of the budget-making process hearing from citizens at public participation will be essential to arriving at a fair budget that meets the community’s needs without a dollar wasted in the new fiscal year.
Common Council Contact Information Members – City of New Britain (newbritainct.gov)
