STRONG – Voters here approved a spending plan of $481,998 Saturday to cover town government operations for 2006. The figure is an increase of about $18,552.
More than 100 residents took care of business in an orderly fashion approving all 59 articles in two hours.
Prior to getting down to voting, residents gave standing ovations to Harold “Bud” Haggan and Sonny Huff for their contributions to the town. Each received a framed certificate from Selectman Clyde Barker. Haggan, who was named Citizen of the Year and had the town report dedicated to him, was also presented a Legislative sentiment by state Rep. Tom Saviello, I- Wilton.
Barker also recognized Joe Dyar, who is the first teenager in Franklin County to become a recipient of WCSH 6’s Teens Who Care Award.
A few articles raised debate, but only one required Moderator Richard Caton Jr. to ask voters to stand to determine the outcome. Otherwise a show of hands was all that was needed.
Residents voted 37-19 to create a recreation committee to study the feasibility of building a town ice skating rink.
The article was proposed by the Strong Area Business and Civic Alliance.
Resident and board member of the organization Christopher Smith said the alliance’s goal is to work with the recreation committee. The organization would raise money for the rink so that it wouldn’t require town dollars, but the recreation committee would oversee it, if the project deems feasible. Smith said the rink could provide town recreation for the community and perhaps the school would start a skating program. He also said there was an interest in ice hockey.
Resident Lauris Abbott said the article should not pass.
“Somebody is going to start one and dump it on the town,” Abbott said. He said Mother Nature provides opportunities for skating.
Eileen Miazga, another resident and alliance member, said they were only asking to create a committee to study the issue.
Residents also voted to authorize selectmen to borrow money to refurbish a firetruck.
Fire Chief Scott Dyar said it is estimated to cost $35,000 to $45,000 to fix the tank on the truck, which is rotting out, and it would cost between $175,000 to $225,000 to buy a new one.
Voters also approved by written ballot, as required by law, 60-8 to go $1,500 over the state’s mandated tax cap for the town.
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