Brookfield First Selectman Bill Tinsley’s New Year’s message to the community was one promoting the town as not only an existing great place to live and do business, but hailing the potential of what’s to come in 2014.
“As always, there are obstacles that must be overcome,” Tinsley wrote in his message that appears in the town newsletter that can be subscribed to at no cost through the town website: www.brookfieldct.gov. “Top-of-mind for me is a hurdle we share with most small towns in Connecticut. Our cost of providing services goes up and up. Yet, absent growth in our local economics, there is no corresponding rise in the revenues needed to support these increased costs without increasing property taxes year-after-year.
“Constantly raising property taxes is not a satisfying solution to our need for more revenue. Many of our residents already resist further increases in property taxes, and therefore, resist increases in spending regardless of the rationale for doing so. Conversely, the harsh cutting of services also has its limits and is strongly opposed by many other residents who would rather pay higher taxes.”
To find an appropriate balance is Tinsley’s hope, and goal, for the year.
Tinsley is optimistic that Brookfield has much to offer so as to attract strong economic growth that fits within the unique character of the town that residents are passionate about protecting into the future. Some of those attributes are:
A desirable, safe, and peaceful community with great schools, abundant social and recreational opportunities, and easy access to important services; close proximity to one of the nation’s best healthcare networks; already zoned commercial/industrial properties which are undeveloped or underdeveloped; volunteer organizations with individuals capable of providing the community with needed skills and knowledge and an involved citizenry.
In the coming months, Tinsley said residents have much to watch: development progress in the Four Corners and a new “We Want You in Brookfield” marketing campaign that includes a “Spend in Brookfield” initative.
More will be revealed about these efforts in the months to come. Be sure to add your voice to these efforts.