There are a lot of fixed costs that we are not able to control.

I am very pleased with the state's decision.

This is worrisome to us because it is higher than many other towns in our Economic Reference Group (ERG).

In the future, we are looking forward to possibly moving to the old Samuel Staples Elementary School. It would be nice, and cost effective, to be in Easton or Redding, and not isolated in Monroe.

This is right in line with other towns, and lower than many, such as Wilton and New Canaan. We had a very successful teachers' negotiation this fall.

There is a lot that needs to be done to bring us up to speed in terms of technology. However, this budget is aiming to keep things as they are because of the high systemic costs related to such things as fuel, as well as the considerable debt service taxpayers will have to incur again this year.