By Michelle L. Santoro
Sherman – A special meeting of the Board of Selectmen (“BOS” or “Board”) was held Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. in Mallory Town Hall. Moving agenda items around, First Selectman Don Lowe began the meeting with a discussion about the Sherman Volunteer Fire Department’s (“SVFD”) request for the purchase of a new ambulance and whether the request should be for the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Mr. Lowe and Selectman Bob Ostrosky voted in favor of bringing the request, for an amount not to exceed $260,000, to a Town Meeting; Selectman Joel Bruzinski had not yet joined the meeting. If approved by residents, the total cost of the ambulance ($324,000) will be split 80%/20% between the Town and the SVFD. The Town’s Business Manager Liz La Via noted December 2024 as the deadline for appropriating all remaining ARPA funds and mentioned her desire to know by April which projects will utilize those funds. The First Selectman advised SVFD members in attendance that, if approved by residents, the purchase does not have to wait until the new fiscal year.
In light of summer vacation schedules, the Board agreed to change its June monthly meeting to June 20 from June 27. Mr. Lowe will apprise the Town Clerk, who will then warn residents of the change.
The Board, along with Ms. La Via and the Town’s new Treasurer, Andrea Maloney, discussed aspects of the proposed 2024/25 budget. Working from spreadsheets previously distributed, Ms. Maloney provided a revue. The Board discussed increasing the capital non-recurring fund investment by $50,000. A 1.81% increase in the Mill Rate is likely. Ms. La Via advised of the retirement of Bill James, the Town’s contracted building inspector, on October 1. His contracted rate equals 64% of building permits that commit; the line item for this in the general fund is budgeted at $149,000. Mr. James will be replaced with a part-time payroll employee with an annual salary of around $57,000. Discussion ensued.
Those in attendance discussed the Board of Education’s (“BOE”) budget, particularly capital projects. Ms. La Via advised that $135,000 will be put on the capital plan for BOE projects. They will then go out to bid, and each project will be specifically “targeted, money wise, with price tags so that all the money cannot be spent on one thing.” Mr. Lowe chimed in, noting that when the request to utilize the capital funds is brought to Town Meeting, the residents will have an itemized list accounting for how the funds are being spent – if approved.
Discussion ensued regarding lingering items, including contracted services for Public Works. The general consensus was – given the amount of new equipment recently purchased for that department, it should be able to cover its contracted services/expenses in the coming year with a budget of $30,000; and, should a need arise, a request of the Board can be made. Following, the Board and Town Business Manager agreed that for all capital asks, a more prudent path is to work off a capital schedule rather than randomly purchasing items. They are already aware that the BOE is over-budget and will soon seek approval from the BOS for additional funds to cover a special education shortfall. The BOS Clerk will receive a moderate increase; the social security line will also increase because of the new, anticipated part-time building inspector position. Mr. Lowe discussed the need for a part-time facilities manager, following the loss of Dave Lathrop, whose services to the Town went well above what he was paid. An “as needed, hourly approach” was discussed, perhaps utilizing Mr. Bruzinski and Jim Reilly, as was the possible need to revise the Town’s Bidding Ordinance, which is now expected to appear on the April meeting agenda.
Aside from next step logistics, the Board and Town Business Manager acknowledged the actual proposed budget going to the Budget Hearing as follows:
$5,581,761 Town
$9,859,360 BOE for a total of $15,451,121, which represents a 3.77% increase – or $560,770, which is partially canceled out by an expected revenue increase. Mr. Lowe commented on the percentage increase, noting it is lower than many surrounding towns.
A hearing on the Budget took place Wednesday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. The regular monthly Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for tonight, at 7:00 p.m. in Mallory Town Hall.