By Sarah Opdahl

In the last portion of New Fairfield’s Board of Finance (BOF) meeting on Wednesday, March 26, there were moves to dramatically reduce the possible 10+% tax increase – discussed at previous meetings – to 7.56%, which will likely be more palatable for residents. For long-term close BOF followers, there was a reminiscent magic of sorts on display as BOF member Mr. Wes Marsh deftly wielded the tools he had to knock down the potential tax increase. He worked in tandem with former finance director Mr. Ed Sbordone, stepping in to fill the role in a way that was largely missing throughout the budget season. Sbordone kept pace with Marsh in returning increasingly lower percentage rates at a moment’s notice. This work was combined with a large cut to the education capital budget by the full BOF, which greatly helped in lowering the possible increase, and set them up for a sunnier final budget markup in early April.

Visibly relieved, Board Chair Ms. Thora Perkins expressed gratitude for her fellow board members at the meeting’s end. She also praised the “three boards working together, and I hope that it continues.” Acknowledging both the BOF’s decision to decrease the education capital requested funding by $225,000, and the complexity of the budget year, Board of Education Chair Mr. Dominic Cipillone said that they will support the current plan and hopes the public will as well.

While 7.56% is in the minds of all involved, the final markup on Wednesday, April 2 may have brought change, based on final numbers the BOF is waiting for, such as a peek into March medical claims. With a lengthy discussion on medical, joined by consultant Mr. Tom Kowalchik,

BOF members attempted to gauge next steps in budg eting, and they agreed that this month’s numbers will play heavily into what they eventually decide to fund for medical, as will the decision to treat astronomical numbers last June as an anomaly. They also pressed on the fact that no matter what the tax increase is, individual homes will absorb the increase at varied levels based on the five-year assessments that were completed last year. While the average home increased 55% over five years, some homes were assessed at higher or lower than the median, which will impact some residents, prompting alternate member Ms. Jessica Sanchez to predict that many will have “sticker shock” when they see their tax bills.

Ultimately, to achieve the steep decrease in the potential tax rate, BOF members agreed to proposed cuts of Town office supplies, which can be spread among departments, they tinkered with Town elected officials salaries to find a happy medium that gives a nod to changing roles; and they cut the education budget’s request for an $80,000 offset for Sherman student transportation. The remaining bond premium and an older school project closeout was applied to the high debt payment that is required to continue paying for the two new school projects. A highlight was the news that there was a favorable report from the assessor on the grand list, which is being finalized following tax assessment appeals. I n addition, eleven items were proposed by Marsh to increase non-tax revenue which, when conservatively budgeted, have previously led to higher surpluses.

The next step for the Board of Finance is to complete a final budget markup on Wednesday, April 2 and start the process to bring the budget to a town vote. Their next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.