Town officials struggling to contain growth in the 2017-’8l proposed town budget got some good news and some bad news last week, with savings from a planned reduction in insurance costs offset by new education positions and the unexpected repair or replacement of an older fire truck.

First Selectman Michael Freda and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Cronin presented the town government and Board of Education proposed budgets at public hearing on April 4. As previously reported, the requested budget is at $97,518,811, a $3,343,693 or 3.2 percent increase from current spending.

One of the biggest points made at the meeting was by Board of Fire Commission Chairman Pat Nuzzolillo. Nuzzolillo read a letter he received from New England Fire Equipment and Apparatus Corporation that stated that the town’s main fire truck has parts that are corroding and need repair.

The letter suggested the truck be repaired by summer 2017, noting that it most likely would not survive another winter. If not fixed, the truck could be deemed inoperable by next year.

In one of the earlier versions of the budget, the town had allocated $300,000 toward a lease for a new fire truck. However, that was taken out of the most current version of the budget amid concerns about funding losses from the state and increasing the mill rate.

Upon hearing the letter, several town residents in attendance voiced their concern about funding for a new truck.

“We’re pushing our luck taking it out,” said Brian Testa. “This impacts everybody.”

Nuzzolillo said he will request to have the $300,000 put back in to the budget.

Freda told the audience that he wants to lower the health insurance line item for town and Board of Education employees. Currently, the budget is looking at a 10 percent increase, about $1.2 million, for that item. The increase is a result of a high history of claims in the last 13 months due to serious illnesses of some employees.

Freda said that he and the Insurance Committee are looking at alternatives that would potentially cut the health insurance increase from 10- to 5 percent, so the monetary increase would only be around $600,000.

“I’m committed to reduce the increase and still provide the same coverage,” Freda told the Courier, stating that the town is looking at a self-insured model that could satisfy those needs.

On the Board of Education side, Cronin stated that the board is requesting a budget of $52,249,651, which is a $1,449,988 or 2.85 percent increase from current spending.

Cronin said that budget will include two new positions: a full-time director of educational and informational technology (IT) and a part-time strength and conditioning coach.

Goals for the IT position are to have someone in place to oversee continuous improvements to software and equipment and develop a district wide technology plan. Cronin said he wants to make sure that schools are looking ahead when it comes to technology, rather than being reactive.

“I’m reluctant to purchase equipment for the sake of purchasing equipment,” said Cronin, “I want to have someone there to guide me.”

The strength and conditioning coach would be available for middle and high school students. Cronin said the purpose for that position is to help prevent injuries to student athletes.

Third Selectman Sally Buemi said at the hearing that she was comfortable with the proposed 2.85 percent increase for the Board of Education, but asked if there was any room for more cuts to get the request closer to a 2.5 percent increase.

Cronin said he already reduced the current proposed budget by about $328,000 from the early stages, and that further cuts could be detrimental.

“We’re getting to a point that it’s going be personnel,” said Cronin.

While concerns were raised about another potential tax increase, one resident in attendance, Christie Kehoe, said she was fine with a potential tax increase because of what the town and schools get in return.

She gave an example of her son, who had some struggles in school, but was able to get help because of personnel and programs in place.

“Keep in mind what the tax increase is for,” she said.

The annual Budget Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 8 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of North Haven High School. A referendum will be held on Tuesday, May 16.