By Sarah Opdahl
At the Wednesday, December 13 New Fairfield Board of Finance (“BOF”) meeting, Mr. Doug Jendras was voted in as Chair. Members thanked Mr. Wes Marsh for over a dozen years of service in the role. Ms. Thora Perkins was voted in as Clerk.
In reviewing the state of the Town’s finances, Jendras said “it is very good news for the Town,” after hearing the unassigned fund balance and other healthy indicators. A relief for many BOF members, the current medical read shows far less claims year over year.
In preparation for the upcoming budget season, there was an agreement to let the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education know that the Board of Finance is looking to keep the increase as low as possible next year. Given that last year’s increase was higher than many wanted, due in large part to the last installment of the debt service bonding for school construction, there is an appetite to tighten the purse strings, at least for next year. The wording for how to alert the Boards and whether to include a potential percentage was discussed. Ms. Cheryl Reedy requested a line about keeping an accurate ten-year capital plan and leaning on it to “smooth” increases over the years and Jendras agreed, saying “I think that’s sound advice on the capital.” He went on to stress that the Boards should look to needs, rather than wants. In discussing ideal percentages, Marsh reminded fellow members that capital spending was shorted last year, in order to bring the increase as low as possible. In the end, it was agreed that Jendras will draft language and happily accept input from fellow members.
BOF members discussed the wisdom of the practice that is in place to fund three full-time school resource officers (SROs) and pay for additional shifts through overtime. It was explained that a fourth SRO position was originally approved before the elementary schools merged. BOF members agreed to closely watch police spending in general, especially overtime, however it was noted that the numbers will be skewed, as there is an open police officer position, which is driving overtime even higher than normal recently.
There was lengthy discussion on possible language for a public comment policy, which will limit the timing for the comment sessions at each meeting’s beginning and end, similarly to the Town’s Board of Education. The interest in limiting the time frame follows remarkable spring budget season meetings which lasted many hours, once well past three o’clock in the morning. With members in agreement that the policy language wasn’t quite ready to vote on, they agreed to revise, and Reedy will write the draft.
In planning future agenda items, the BOF agreed to discuss elected official salaries, which are set by the BOF. They will also look at project close-out information, especially those waiting for state input and finances.
The next regular Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 17, 7:30 p.m.