By Sarah Opdahl

At their Wednesday, July 24 meeting, New Fairfield’s Board of Finance (BOF) were in agreement that it would behoove all involved if a combined meeting of Town boards, including the BOF, the Board of Selectmen (BOS), the Board of Education, and the Permanent Building Committee (PBC), to discuss information regarding current and future needs. At the meeting, the groups will discuss a recent request to transfer school project funds from the high school building project to the elementary project, as the remaining funds in the elementary budget will not cover the demolition of Consolidated School. In addition, there was an urgent request submitted from the school district following the discovery of rotting light poles at Rebel Stadium.

Ms. Cheryl Reedy referenced a letter from Superintendent Dr. Ken Craw, sharing information about the light poles, which are estimated to cost approximately $350,000 to fix. In addition, she pointed out that both aforementioned issues are time sensitive—the PBC request regarding the demolition funds because of bid deadlines and the lighting “because the field cannot be used at night until the lights get replaced.”

Overall, BOF members agreed that the immediate and urgent future needs, in addition to all remaining school project fund information, are critical for them to understand, which will be facilitated with more communication. Reedy said, “I think everybody just needs to have all the information as they go through the process so that we can make wise decisions.” Chair Ms. Thora Perkins agreed, saying “I really feel that we really are in the dark on these issues.” Reedy noted that the conversation will be timely, as it will precede information regarding the final surplus, a portion of which is slated to help fund the high school’s track and field replacement. BOF members are interested in using the remainder of the surplus for the medical fund, which tops some of their priority lists.

In an update on medical claims, it was noted that June continued on a higher trajectory than earlier in the year, though it was pointed out that many employees who have met their deductible tend to opt to use their medical insurance for procedures before their deductible resets in mid-summer. BOF members discussed the possibility of more incurred but not reported claims, given that groups, such as hospitals, can wait up to ninety days after service to submit. This makes it impossible to reflect on the full year until the time period closes in September. The Town’s medical consultant, Mr. Tom Kowalchik, mentioned that there are some concerning claims that point to possible significant expenditures next year, but he said many recent claims are large, one-time events.

Town Finance Director Ms. Olga Melnikov noted that Anthem did not typically complete drawdowns on funds in July in the past, but they did complete draws this year. A fact Kowalchik was surprised to hear, thinking that they always drew in July, and offered to follow up with Anthem’s representatives.

Melnikov suggested that the BOF consider sweeping some of the unexpended funds into the medical fund as part of the year-end close out. One area with higher than anticipated remaining funds is in the police department, due to the lower fringe benefit rate that was negotiated at the State level. An unfilled vacancy in the police department added to the funds, as well.

BOF members agreed to prioritize wellness at a higher level, including possibly offering a health fair/clinic for employees beyond flu shots. Reedy explained, in years past, the Town offered these events and they were highly regarded among staff. All agreed that, as much as possible, encouraging staff to take advantage of preventative screenings is a wise course.  They will continue the discussion at the next medical subcommittee meeting and then return to confer with the full group on next steps.

The BOF approved a funds transfer for the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) for volunteer firefighters, which was forwarded following approval by the BOS. The first year’s funding was found in unanticipated savings in the operational budget.

Melnikov explained, in addition to the aforementioned surplus funds in the police department line, there was al so more-than-expected revenue in building permits. In addition, a final payment from the State for school construction that was completed in the early 2000s, in the amount of $134,000, recently came to the Town. With guidance from the State, she said that the recommendation is to transfer the funds to the existing debt service fund, which will allow for more flexibility, and a relief to the budget, in the future.

There was a brief discussion about possibly offering guidance to the BOS and BOE regarding next year’s budget, but that was postponed as it is quite early in the cycle. There was also a conversation about the BOF column in the Town Tribune. It was agreed that members can take turns writing it and should preview it to all members for input and buy-in.

The next regular Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, 7:30 p.m.