Groton RTM voices concern about recurring tax pressure and reliance on one-time funds

RTM members used the budget discussion portion of the meeting to express concern about rising property taxes and the town’s use of one-time revenues to offset levies.

Town Manager Burke briefed members that the final tax-rate plan represented a 1.9% increase overall, aided by $2.2 million in local gaming (Pequat) funds and a partial allocation of those revenues to the board of education. Members warned these offsets are temporary and urged a communitywide discussion about the balance between education funding and other municipal priorities. One member called for a careful review of spending to avoid pushing long-term residents and younger households out of town.

Speakers urged the RTM to plan now for longer-term solutions rather than depending on intermittent funding sources in future budgets. No formal action was taken; members asked staff to continue analysis and to present follow-up materials at future meetings.