Shelton BOE gets budget extension

SHELTON — The Board of Education will deliberate staff budget requests Monday, with plans for the superintendent to present his recommended education budget the following week for a final vote..

Monday’s deliberation will be at 5: 30 p. m. at the administration offices, 382 Long Hill Ave. Superintendent of Schools Chris Clouet will present his recommended budget later in the week, according to board Chairwoman Kathy Yolish, with a vote possible depending on Clouet’s recommendation.

Either way, the board has received extra time to deliberate on the final numbers thanks to the mayor’s office. Yolish said Mayor Mark Lauretti has moved the required budget submission date to Feb. 24 – a 10- day extension.

“We are establishing a very collaborative bond with the mayor and city officials,” said Yolish. “It is being recognized and appreciated. Everyone wants to submit a budget that is fiscally responsible, and one that can be approved with little controversy.”

There are six new board members following the November election, with new leadership in Yolish and Vice Chairman James Orazietti. The change, at least on the Republican end, was a major push by Lauretti and the Republican Town Committee.

The RTC refused to nominate Mark Holden, Anne Gaydos and Tom Minotti for reelection in November. The trio also failed in their primary attempts, and fellow Republican Darlisa Ritter was voted off in November. The new board makeup led to the election of Yolish as chairwoman.

On the Democratic side, there are two new members — Patti Moonan and Diana Meyer — with Jose Goncalves choosing not to run and David Gioiello not reelected.

Yolish said with so many new members and more detailed budget presentations from Finance Director Rick Belden, more time could be needed before a final vote.

Yolish said board members have, so far, been reviewing budgets for 20 hours, plus what the members review on their own time.