Skate Park Reopened, Mill Rate Set and New Blogging Feature

Take a look at what’s happening in Southington, and on Southington Patch, today, May 12, 2011.

Skate Park Reopened…For Now –

The YMCA Camp Sloper skate park had been closed Tuesday, the day after council members were unable to get enough votes to restore funding for the 2011-12 season, but has reopened after discussions revealed that the town has already completed payments through June 30, 2011.

“I had a good conversation with (YMCA Director) John Myers yesterday and the park will remain open through the end of this fiscal year, June 30.”

The future of the park, however, remains uncertain as the funding cut represented half the costs for operations according to YMCA staff.

How do you feel about the skate park being cut? Tell us here!

Community Services Department to Receive Transport Van –

The Board of Finance approved a $29,000 line item transfer for the Community Services Department Wednesday evening for the purchase of a transport van.

The van will help the department in transporting food for the food bank, passengers in need and allow in helping provide services to homebound residents throughout the community said Janet Mellon, director of community services.

Blum, Shapiro and Company to Stay On as Southington Auditor –

In recent years, Blum, Shapiro and Company took on the challenges of not only conducting the annual audit, but completing the financial audit for the town as well as members of the Board of Finance looked to make sure the town’s financial house was in order.

They were repaid for their actions in kind Wednesday as the Board of Finance voted unanimously to approve the company’s reappointment as town auditor.

Mill Rate Set: What’ Does It Mean For You? –

The town’s mill rate for the 2011-12 fiscal year was set Wednesday at 24.28, an increase of just 1.08 percent over the current fiscal year. So what does mean for you? Well for every $100,000 your house is assessed at, your bill will increase by $26.

For more information, make sure to read today’s story by clicking here.

Bloggers Have Arrived –

Southington Patch unveiled it’s new blogging feature with two entries Wednesday afternoon and there is still more to come.

But we aren’t done yet! We are still seeking those who want their voice to be heard. Have a knack for the ins and outs of politics? Are you someone who follows the hot button issues in town? Do you have an interest in a particular hobby such as sports, art or food? We don’t just want to hear from you – we want you to have an outlet for a voice.

Southington Patch is seeking those interested in having their own blog and we are willing to provide you an outlet for all your opinions. All you need to do is be able to demonstrate a writing ability, be interested in something you could post on with some regularity and be able to express your opinion without being offensive towards people or organizations.

For more information or to apply, contact Local Editor Jason Vallee at jason.vallee@patch.com. It’s that easy.