By Sarah Opdahl

At their Wednesday, March 20 meeting, New Fairfield’s Board of Finance (BOF) began to consider markup options. An initial proposal was presented by member Ms. Cheryl Reedy “to get the discussion started.” The proposed budget changes would decrease the current 9.52% increase to 5.67%. She gave a thorough run through of areas that could possibly be trimmed in the budget, plus a few additions. There is some frustration beginning to brew about the length of time being taken in data gathering, but Chair Mr. Doug Jendras pointed out that there was a schedule set for the process and he considers this to be a time to gather and discuss data, which will turn to a full markup, as soon as next week.

Reedy’s proposal points out that there are possible areas to trim, such as a reduction to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) operating budget by $100,000, the Board of Education (BOE) capital requests by $250,000, and the medical contribution by $70,000. An area she believes can be padded includes non-tax revenue, which is often quite conservatively budgeted. She pointed out other funding sour ces, such as the fund balance, the surplus revenue of $320,000, and $500,000 in extra interest income. She also estimates t hat at least $350,000 of leftover American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds should be available. The majority of the amount came from the money that was set aside for the Communication Center that the Selectmen ended up getting a $250,000 grant for. Reedy hopes the BOS will arrange for speedy ARPA discussions and decisions. In the end, she said, “we h ave to make some common sense to the taxpayer,” with the BOF guidance to the BOS and BOE. 

Mr. Wes Marsh was also ready to come to the table with numbers to react to—his reductions brought the increase down to 6%. He added $750,000 of the bond premium and the $320,000 in surplus. He said he would be ha ppy with Cheryl’s proposal as well. Most importantly, he believes it is important to give concrete numbers and guidance that the boards and public can react to. There were comments about who the BOF needs to keep in mind during the process and the balance that is needed to help residents at all income levels with their needs and interests.

Medical representative Mr. Tom Kowalchik attended this meeting to give an update on the medical claims, which are trending much more level, compared to the steep rise in claims in recent years. He reminded the BOF that the estimates are best guesses but it is impossible to pinpoint how a medical budget will stand up to claims each year. He also reiterated, as a self-funded group, New Fairfield “want[s] to build up the reserve” for “incurred but not reported” expenses and “when you have your good years, you want to keep that money and build that reserve up for when or if you have a bad year like you had last year.”

Reedy proposed possibly raising several Town salaries to bring them more in line with similar towns. The First Selectman, two Selectmen, Town Clerk, Registrars of Voters, Town Treasurer, and Tax Collector would all see increases with the proposal. Reedy also said, “I do not believe in any of the longevity pay or other kinds of little stipends and stuff for elected officials. Elected officials are professionals.” Other BOF members were not ready to vote on the salary increases.

The regular Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m.