Energy savings bring budget relief

NORTH CANAAN — Finances are the last place one expects to find good news right now, but it may be heartening to attend two 2011-12 budget presentations to the Board of Finance next week.The Board of Selectmen are slated to unveil their proposal on Tuesday, March 22, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall — and it looks like they are coming in with a spending plan that is essentially the same as the current budget.On the following night, March 23, the Board of Education will present at 7 p.m. in the North Canaan Elementary School cafeteria. Planned is a special technology demonstration that promises to be fun and interesting. Principal Rosemary Keilty reported at the March 10 board meeting that the budget proposal is at about a 1.2 percent decrease (yes, that’s right) — including the town’s share of the regional education budget.Then there is a surplus from this year that could go as high as $100,000. Much of the savings is in energy costs. Spurred by the dramatic difference and a recent town energy audit that targeted areas of potentially big savings, the board may suggest to finance members that some of that surplus be invested in additional energy-efficiency projects.Surplus education funds have to be returned to the town, but the Board of Finance may approve using the funds at the school. The town is also seeking grant money to help fund energy-saving projects at the school and Town Hall. The budget process continues on these dates.Wednesday, April 13, Board of Finance regular meeting at Town Hall, 7:30 p.m.Tuesday, April 26, public hearing at Town Hall, 7 p.m.Tuesday, May 10, town meeting vote at Town Hall, 7:30 p.m.Wednesday, May 11, Board of Finance regular meeting (mill rate set) at Town Hall, 7:30 p.m.

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Water main cleaning in North Canaan

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