Committee on Administrative Finance and Law and Public Services Budget Meeting - May 6, 2026

The committee met at 6:32 PM to review the proposed general fund budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Presentations from several city departments were heard, followed by multiple motions to table items for continuation the next day. The meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM.

Discussion Items

• General Fund Budget Resolution (Item 37139-01): A motion was made to refer the resolution to the Common Council with a mutual recommendation. After discussion, the item was tabled to the next day.
• Mayor's Office: Ms. Mary Proko presented a budget with less than a 3% increase. The office has four positions, two vacant (outreach coordinator filled, executive aide to the mayor still vacant). A question was raised about combining marketing and advertising line items; it was noted they are similar and the combined line allows flexibility.
• Corporation Counsel: Attorney Bill Rivera presented a budget with a reduction of 1.24%, despite adding two positions. Legal judgments and damage claims were zeroed out and moved to contingency, which increased 16% to $1.786 million.
• Town Clerk: Ms. Veronica Delandro reported the office serves over 16,000 customers and processes 45,000 transactions annually. Proposed budget includes a 6% revenue increase and less than $3,000 expense increase. Staffing: eight full-time positions, two vacant. Part-time salaries were reduced 50% to $7,000, retained for potential need. Dues and fees increased from $0 to $500 for memberships in the Connecticut Town Clerk Association.
• Department of Public Works: Mr. Mark Mori outlined the department's assets (170 miles of streets, 9 major parks, $60M water treatment plant, etc.). The general fund budget is $15.6 million, a 2.9% increase ($452,979). Major increases: contractual salaries, rubbish removal (CPI increase + fuel differential), motor fuel, and sidewalk repairs ($200,000 added). Utility budgets: water fund decreased 5%, sewer fund increased 3% due to Mattabassett District 6% pass-through (no rate increase for customers), clean water fund flat. Revenue reductions: utility permits cut 50% due to CNG taking over trench repairs. Fuel expense may be insufficient; department expects to manage overall budget under budget. Meal allowances reduced from $5,000 to $500 due to contract changes. A deputy director position added, assistant administrative assistant reduced.
• Registrar of Voters: Mr. Peter Gaston presented a budget cut 8-9% from the mayor's proposal. Professional services (poll workers) cut $50,000; potential mitigation from state early voting funds ($21,000 last year, possibly doubled). Equipment line cut $11,000; new tabulators require maintenance costs previously covered by state. Salaries: requested increase, but compensation committee has not met. Staffing: 170-200 poll workers per election day, plus 20 people per early voting location for 21 days. Costs for custodians at polling places included in professional services.
• Human Resources: Ms. Gard presented a budget increase of $1,200, adding a full-time administrative assistant (replacing a part-time position). Professional dues and memberships reduced from $1,150 to $750, with mayor covering fees previously paid out of pocket. Department serves 650+ full-time and 350 part-time/seasonal employees.
• Finance, Revenue, and Assessor: Ms. Amy Goldsbury and Mr. Tim (assessor) presented. Combined budget increase less than 3%. Assessor's office: $250,000 for revaluation (estimated total $500,000 spread over two years). Cannabis tax revenue revised down to $25,000 (from $250,000) due to actual collections of $20,000. Interest income increased 200% due to aggressive investment. Overtime reduced from $30,000 to $6,750; part-time salaries reduced from $20,000 to $5,000. Finance director position reposted with salary increase; no other changes. Treasurer stipend is $5,000 annually.

Key Outcomes

• Item 37139-01 (General Fund Budget Resolution): Motion to refer with mutual recommendation, then tabled to May 7, 2026.
• Item 37140-01 (Budget appropriation for capital improvement program): Motion to refer to Common Council with neutral recommendation, then tabled to May 7, 2026.
• Item 37141-01 (Capital improvement program appropriation): Motion to refer with mutual recommendation, then tabled to May 7, 2026.
• The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 PM, with plans to continue the next day.