Milford School Deliberative meeting is Feb. 9

Thursday, February 2, 2012

MILFORD –A school district Deliberative Session that will feature a new school support staff contract and an operating budget slightly higher than the current one is scheduled for next Thursday evening, Feb. 9.

There are only three articles on the warrant this year: one for the Milford Educational Support Staff Association contract, one to authorize a special meeting in case the contract is rejected, and one for the school district operating budget.

The new-one year contract between the district and MESSA has a net cost of only $8,700 because increases in salaries and wage-driven benefits are offset by reductions in health and dental insurance.

The district operating budget totals $36.3 million, an increase of slightly more than 1 percent.

It reflects the elimination of two elementary school teaching positions due to a drop in enrollment, as well as a decrease in the district’s long-term debt due to the retirement of the middle school addition bond.

If all articles are approved on voting day, March 13, there will be a tax rate increase of 61 cents, or $1.22 on a home valued at $200,000

The Deliberative Session, at which voters can discuss and amend the articles, will be held at 7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.

Kathy Cleveland can be reached at 673-3100, ext. 304, or kcleveland@cabinet.com.