Setting Up Location for HPS Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Hearing

By Dennis Phillips

The first Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year ‘26-’27 took place April 1 at

Montessori Magnet at Batchelder.

As a Production Assistant intern with Hartford Public

Access TV through CT State - Capital. I had the

privilege of being able to help HPATV staff set up the

sound and video equipment at the venue where

Hartford City Council and Mayor Arulampalam would address plans for the $74.5B deficit.

This is what the stage looked like in the auditorium before we arrived.

A little hard to see, but we added speakers to either side of the stage, as well as microphones

on top of the tables and on the ground in front of the stage for public comments. Wiring for the

equipment was secured with gaffing tape. The tablecloths were provided by the City.

The final result! I was to the right of the stage operating the camera aimed at the public

speakers to ensure they were centered in the frame at all times. Footage of the event can be