Letter to the Editor: 04.17.2025

04.17.2025

To the Editor:

Let’s face it, the current Republican majority Town Council does not want to hear your input on how to spend our tax dollars.

The 2024/2025 budget increased approximately $2,910,915 over the previous year.  This was significant for homeowners. The proposed 2025/2026 budget has an increase of $2,229,383.  While less than last year’s increase, our taxes will go up significantly, once again.

Residents that showed up to the April 7 regular Town Council meeting struggled to fully speak their mind in the 3-minute time limit. The Council then held a special meeting on April 10 to set the public hearing and I encourage you to watch the YouTube video of that special meeting. Chairwoman Mary Ann Rosa complained that giving residents five minutes to speak would make the budget public hearing last too long.  Apparently, she has better things to do.

I suggest that if you have something to say about the budget, you attend the April 22 public hearing at 7

p.m. at Swift and speak your mind.  It is your money, and Ms. Rosa will just have to sit and listen until every resident speaks.

If you want to discuss the budget with other residents who want to listen, the Independent Party is hosting an open community meeting at the Watertown Library this Saturday, April 19 from 10:30– 11:30 a.m.  All residents are welcome.

Katherine Camara

Katherine Camara, 31 Cottage Place, Oakville, CT 06779

203-592-2043