Deep River Board of Finance Meeting - February 24, 2026

The Deep River Board of Finance held a regular meeting on February 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Present were members Carmella, Mike, and the chair, with Kathy Russell and Jackie Calamari absent, achieving a quorum of 4 out of 6. The meeting included approval of minutes, a treasurer's report, updates on sidewalk clearing equipment and fire apparatus financing, presentations of the fire department and fire marshal budgets, an update on a new administrative assistant, a status report on the year-end audit, postponement of the full budget review, and a detailed analysis of the property reappraisal and its tax impact.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the regular January 27, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Minutes from the budget workshops on February 7 and February 10, 2026, were also approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the audience and citizens portion.

Discussion Items

• Treasurer's Report: The treasurer was absent due to a medical procedure. The report showed a general fund balance of $10,077,000 as of February 24, with an adjusted balance of $4,606,000 after a $470,000 capital improvements reserve. Wire transfers since the last meeting totaled $3.2 million. Interest earnings year-to-date were $154,000 against a budgeted $150,000. Bond payments and remaining balances were reviewed. The board noted the favorable interest earnings.
• Selectmen Recommendations - Sidewalk Clearing: The first selectman reported the town is exploring options to replace an aging sidewalk clearing machine, either by purchasing a bobcat or issuing an RFP for contracted services. Further details will be provided at the next meeting.
• Fire Apparatus and Firehouse Financing: Financing for a brush truck (expected April) and a fire truck (expected August) is being aligned with delivery schedules. The firehouse project is proceeding: four architectural/engineering firms were selected from nine responses, with interviews scheduled.
• Fire Department Budget Presentation: The fire department presented its proposed operating budget (line items mostly flat or slightly increased, e.g., operating expenses from $32,000 to $35,000, vehicle maintenance from $60,000 to $65,000) and a capital plan. Key requests included $19,500 for 15 hours/week administrative help (at $25/hour), and capital items such as turnout gear replacement (5 sets/year at ~$4,000 each), corrosion repairs, and long-term apparatus replacement planning. The department explained the need for administrative support due to state documentation requirements, and noted that neighboring towns of similar size have part-time admin help. The board asked clarifying questions but made no decisions, as it was an informational session.
• Fire Marshal Budget: The fire marshal requested an increase for the deputy fire marshal salary from $3,625 to $8,000 to allow more inspection time, and a slight increase in auto expense reimbursement. All other lines remained flat. Discussion included whether the fire marshal could use town fuel for personal vehicles.
• Update on New Administrative Assistant: A new assistant, Tameya, started on February 24 through ARMusada. She will be trained on both old and new software. The department has not yet scheduled meetings with key staff (Scott, Nick, Pete) to align needs.
• Year-End Budget Financials and Audit: The audit start date is not yet confirmed; an extension into March may be required. Clean-up work on the books is ongoing but not yet complete. The board expressed eagerness for the final fund balance to inform budget decisions.
• Review of Full Year 2526 Budget: The board decided to postpone the detailed review to the March 3, 2026 special budget meeting, as the chair had not yet reviewed it with staff. A motion was made and passed to move this item to March 3.
• Reappraisal Analysis: The chair presented an analysis of the 2025 grand list reappraisal. Key findings: residential share of the grand list increased from 72% to 80%. The average assessed home value rose from $198,000 to $325,000. Holding the mill rate constant would result in a $906 increase in the average residential tax bill. Offsetting factors: motor vehicle tax savings (~$227 for two cars), firehouse bond impact ($348 increase per household), and sewer bond payoff ($68 savings per household). The net change for an average household before any budget increase is $959. The analysis was reviewed and approved by the town assessor.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes from January 27, February 7, and February 10 meetings.
• Postponed the full budget review to the March 3, 2026 special budget meeting (motion passed, all in favor).
• No votes were taken on the fire department or fire marshal budget proposals; these remained informational.
• The board acknowledged the reappraisal analysis as a baseline for budget discussions.

The meeting adjourned at 8:09 PM.