The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-08
Suggested Budget
 Of $218,OOO Cut
 $8,OOO Yesterday
10 Be Doubled Up as Economy Measure Methodist ; Choir to Offer Cantata Sunday Evening
N A U G AT U C K
Correspondent: Wm j. Baxter-Phone Naugatuck 3945

Naugatuck, April 8-A surprise move by the board of education at it's meeting yesterday, the reduction of its suggested budget from $218,- 900 to $210,00G, was well received here today and helped to lessen con- siderably fear that the tax rate might have to be increased this year to provide the budget needed.
 The action of the board was taken early in the meeting and although it apparently had been agreed upon ahead of time, it was an undoubted surprise to the press representatives and to the general public.
 At the March meeting the board had voted a tentative budget for the new fiscal year ,amountin gto $218,- 900 which was 5000 more than the figure suggested by the superintend- ent. At that time Chairman Charles P. Rodenbach thought the figure too low, stating $220, 0,000 would be neces- sary. In presenting his $213,000 figure, then Supt. H. E. Chittenden had told the board the major part of the increase embodies in it from the $208,900 figure of last year was because a per cent pay restoration granted school employees was only in operation seven of the 10 months of the past fiscal year but would be in effect all of the present fiscal year.
 S2,864 Deficit
 Another thing which made the ac- tion yesterday so unexpected was the fact that the net cost of the school department last year was $211, 1,764.57, which is a $2864.57 deficit.
 However, as soon as Superintend- ent Chittenden told the board yes- terday that the budget discussion was the only remaining thing for action at that session, Emil Manp- weller, Republican, recommended the March budget proposal be pared down" to $210,000 owing to the present general situation and tfse outlook being none too bright" He suggested also that the Superin- tendent at the next meeting show t.le board where items were cut to make the $210,0O0 figure. The super intendent is to slice several items this month so as to reduce his $213,- QUO figure to the $21O000 approved. No salaries will be cut.
 Instantly after MT. Mannweiler's recommendation, Peter Meegan, Democrat, remarked: That's a good suggestion" and moved the $210,0o0 budget be accepted. Dr. Charles Kennedy seconded this. Chairman Rodenbach asked if the budget could bo cut to $210,000 and Supt. Chit tenden said "Yes."
 MT. Mannweiler pointed out the board is trying to keep estimated expense down as an indication of willingness to cooperate with the ad- nuniStration and explained the ad- lninistration is proceeding along similar lines. we all should do it, he said. MT. Meegan remarked it is the boards duty to do this "un- der existing conditions" Chairman Rodenbach said, T hope we can do it." and MT. Manweiler remarked, T think we can try" The motion was then passed without dissenting vote.
 designations Would Help
 If any teachers here resign before the school year starts, it would help to cut expenditures of the school department considerably, it was brought out yesterday at the school board meeting.
 Supt. Chittenden indicated that the size of classes in lower grades