The Board of Finance public hearing for the proposed 2011-12 budget is scheduled for April 4 at 7 p.m. at the Avon Senior Center.
The Avon Town Charter states the following about rules for participating in public hearings:
(a) “The Board of Finance shall hold one or more public hearings not later than three weeks before the Annual Budget Meeting at which any elector or taxpayer may have an opportunity to be heard regarding the budget for the ensuing year.”
Although the Charter does not define the term “elector” there is a provision in the CT General Statutes that does. Under that statute an “elector” is any person who is a US citizen who has attained the age of 18 and who is registered to vote in the town where the event is taking place. The Registrar of Voters will be present at the Hearing to respond to anyone who may wish to clarify his or her registration status in Avon.
The Charter also fails to define the term “taxpayer” but once again state law addresses this issue. The word “Taxpayer” refers to someone who does not live in the jurisdiction where the event is occurring but who owns property there. To participate as a “taxpayer” a person must be a US citizen who is at least 18 years of age and who owns property in Avon that is assessed for not less than $1000 on the most recent Grand List (in this case, the List as of October 1, 2010). The Town Clerk will be at the Hearing to assist anyone seeking clarification on his or her right to participate as a “taxpayer” in this budget process.
Eligible speakers will have an initial speaking opportunity of approximately three minutes, and will be allowed to speak for a second or succeeding time after all others who wish to speak have had their initial opportunity to do so.
Submitted by the Board of Finance.
