The Week That Was, The Week That Will Be

A couple of big decisions were made last week. First, the Representative Town Meeting approved an $81.7 million budget for Fiscal Year 2013-2014. Then the Board of Finance set the mill rate at 24.05, which is an increase of 4.28 mills.

What does that mean to your budget? Due to the revaluation, First Selectman Dan Steward said that the amount most homeowners can expect to pay in property taxes will actually go down because the value of the average property in Waterford has dropped significantly. You will, however, be paying more in car taxes and business owners could see their tax bills increase significantly. 

Neighbors living near the former nursing home on Rope Ferry Road who opposed a proposal to turn the building into a sober living facility to be run by Stonington Institute are also breathing a sign of relief this week. The Zoning Board of Appeals denied the application. 

Last week was National Police Week and to celebrate, this year Waterford Police Department did something very special. The department unveiled a memorial dedicated to all the officers, commissioners and chiefs who have ever served in the town's police department. If you're passing by, take a look. The memorial, with its appropriate blue lights, looks particularly cool at night. 

Speaking of police serving, this Tuesday, members of Waterford's Police Department will be participating in a "Tip a Cop" fundraiser at Filomena's Restaurant.

Other events you won't want to miss this week:

On Tuesday, May 21, Waterford High School Music Teacher Sherry Stidfole will be giving her final performance. The longtime and much loved teacher is retiring this year, and to help send her off, all students past and present are invited to participate in a performance of her favorite song at the spring concert at Waterford High School Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. 

On Saturday, May 25, Waterford Public Library will celebrate its 90th anniversary (can you believe it!) with an open house party from noon to 2 p.m.. 

Meetings At Town Hall This Week

Monday, May 20

• The Personnel Review Board meets at the Louise T. Appleby Meeting Room at 6:30 p.m.
  
• Planning and Zoning meets at the Town Hall Auditorium at 7 p.m.
  

• The Board of Selectmen meet at the Town Hall Auditorium at 5 p.m.. A new item was added to the agenda to consider a request to establish a special taxing zone within Waterford comprising the Seaside property. The request comes from the developer, who is asking the state Legislature to designate the area an "improvement zone." Local legislators, however, say they won't endorse this unless the town first gives its blessing. 
• The Board of Education Building Committee meets at the Board of Education's Meeting Room at 5:30 p.m.

• The Conservation Commission meets at the Board of Education meeting room at 7 p.m..
• The Board of Education meets at 7 p.m. in Waterford High School Library. You'll find the agenda here.