Fiscal Committee of the Board of Representatives Meeting – April 27, 2026

The Fiscal Committee of the Stamford Board of Representatives met on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Chair Morrison and adjourned at 7:25 p.m. The committee considered nine items, including appropriations, grant resolutions, third‑quarter projections, and a surplus allocation. Most items passed unanimously, with one abstention noted. Key speakers included Town Clerk David Hoke, Grants Officer Anita Carpenter, Director of Finance Bill, and representatives from the early childhood program and the Boys & Girls Club.

Consent Calendar

• All items were voted on individually; no consent calendar was used. Routine approvals are noted under each item below.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments or testimony were recorded.

Discussion Items

• Items 1 & 2 (F32.062 & F32.063): Town Clerk David Hoke requested approval of two appropriations totaling $46,524 ($19,611 from community investment fees and $26,913 from local capital improvement fees) to move funds collected by the town clerk from the general fund to a special revenue fund (2800) for historic preservation purposes. The funds are required by state statute to be retained by the town clerk’s office. The Board of Finance had approved both items 5‑0. Both passed unanimously (6‑0‑0).
• Item 3 (F32.064): $50,000 additional appropriation for early childhood programming scholarships, transferred from the general fund to fund 2800. Grants Officer Anita Carpenter explained that this replaces prior school readiness funding, with a state‑required match. Program representative Danace noted the scholarships support families seeking high‑quality early childhood education. The item passed 6‑0‑1 (one abstention).
• Item 4 (F32.065): $175,000 additional appropriation for the Boys & Girls Club to complete the playscape at the Yearwood Center, covering cost escalation and drainage. The funds come from old community development reserves. Passed unanimously (6‑0‑0).
• Item 5 (F32.066): $2 million for renovations at 986 Bedford Street Family Center, serving low‑income residents. The Board of Finance had held this item; the committee voted to recommit it without action. Motion to recommit passed unanimously (6‑0‑0).
• Item 6 (F32.067): Resolution authorizing the mayor and superintendent to apply for a non‑priority school roof replacement project at Hart Magnet Elementary School. Anita Carpenter stated the funding had been appropriated in the capital budget, and the resolution is required for the state application. Representative Lepine asked whether the school is slated for demolition under the school rebuild plan; Carpenter responded that the roof is intended for the building’s full life and that the state requires a 20‑year commitment. Lepine supported the item with that condition. Passed unanimously (6‑0‑0).
• Item 7 (F32.068): Similar resolution for a non‑priority roof replacement at Turner River Middle School. Passed unanimously (6‑0‑0).
• Item 8 (F32.069): Third‑quarter projections for fiscal year 2526 (FY 2025‑2026). Director Bill presented a consolidated net surplus expectation of approximately $6.9 million, driven by higher building permit revenues ($4.1 million above budget, projected at $13.5 million vs. $9.4 million budget), higher interest income ($1 million above budget), and lower expenses ($2.2 million in vacancy savings). A question from Representative Coacher noted that benefit and insurance expenses were up about $300,000 due to higher premiums, which were baked into the projections. Bill noted that building permits continued strong, potentially improving the surplus. No vote was required; item was informational.
• Item 9 (F32.070): $6.3 million approval and appropriation of fiscal year 2024 general fund surplus. Director Bill and Elda (finance) proposed designating $1.2 million to the rainy day fund (bringing it to approximately $36.4 million), $1.8 million to the risk management fund for heart and hypertension (which had an $11 million deficit), and $3.3 million to capital non‑recurring (fund 57) for school construction. Representative Coacher asked about the current balances; Bill estimated the rainy day fund would be $35.2 million before the addition. The heart and hypertension fund’s deficit was noted. Passed unanimously (6‑0‑0).

Key Outcomes

• Items 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9: Approved unanimously (6‑0‑0).
• Item 3: Approved 6‑0‑1 (one abstention).
• Item 5: Recommitted to the Board of Finance without action (unanimous 6‑0‑0).
• Item 8: Received as information; no vote taken.
• Attendance: Chair Morrison noted that Representatives Graham and Bouchard arrived after votes on items 2 and 8, respectively, and that ex‑officio members Terry Adams and Representative Alston were present. These details were to be recorded on the attendance sheet.