Weathersfield Select Board Meeting - September 15, 2026

The Weathersfield Select Board met on September 15, 2026, at 6:34 PM. The meeting covered approval of multiple sets of minutes, financial reports for FY26, establishment of a budget timeline for FY28, appointments to committees, and various operational updates. Key financial challenges were highlighted, including a growing deficit in the solid waste fund and an overspend in the highway fund.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lisa Slate (Sunset Boulevard resident) alerted the board to a proposed water district boundary adjustment affecting properties in the village of Scotney, urging the board to monitor the prudential committee's discussion at their upcoming meeting.
• Several announcements were made: the Weathersfield Conversation Group's second annual summit on September 20th at 1 PM at the Perkinsville School; the PTO's "Paw Drop" at Weathersfield School on September 15th from 5-8 PM (free admission).
• A board member requested adding quarterly department head reports to future agendas to increase transparency, noting that monthly reports might be excessive.

Discussion Items

• Approval of Minutes: The board spent considerable time correcting minutes from July 21, July 23, and July 27, 2026. After extensive debate, amendments were made to accurately reflect that Mrs. Burse seconded a motion and added language about the select board serving as interim town managers. The corrected minutes for July 21, July 23, July 27, August 4, August 13, August 24, and August 31 were all approved individually. A concern was raised that several sets of minutes on the website are still labeled "draft" and need to be updated.
• Treasurer's Report (Steve): The preliminary FY26 (year ending June 30, 2026) unaudited reports were presented. The highway fund planned to use $102,500 of fund balance but actually ran a deficit of $180,879 due to $35,000 in unanticipated winter sand expenses, $35,000 in vehicle repairs, and a $31,000 principal and interest payment for an excavator loan that was not budgeted. The solid waste fund had a planned deficit reduction of $29,945 but instead incurred a $40,432 deficit, leading to an estimated cumulative deficit of $195,000-$200,000. Reasons included a $53,000 shortfall in punch card sales and $80,000 in recycling costs (recycling is free but costs money to haul away). The general fund broke even, preserving its $30,000 planned fund balance use. The board expressed concern about the solid waste deficit and the need for corrective action.
• Budget Timeline for FY28: The board adopted a proposed timeline for the FY28 budget development, with goals to be discussed at future meetings. The timeline includes department budget development (Sept 15-Oct 6), a health care study presentation (Oct 13), health insurance decision (Oct 26), COLA study and decision (Nov 9), draft budget release (Nov 23), public input (Dec 14 and 28), budget approval (Jan 11, 2027), and town meeting warning (Jan 25). The board discussed using FY26 actuals as a starting point rather than FY27 budget, and emphasized the need to address highway and police department funding, fund capital reserves, and maintain a rainy day fund. The motion to adopt the timeline passed.
• Town Manager Report (Suzanne): The town manager hiring process was updated. The job posting will be corrected and released; applications will be reviewed starting October 15th. A weekly call with the recruitment firm (Gary Evans) will monitor applicant interest. The board members will have access to see all applicants. The police building lease discussion was raised but deferred to a future agenda. The fire department is preparing an RFP for a brush truck approved by voters, and a live burn training is scheduled for October 2nd at 162 Quarry Road.
• Appointments: The budget committee had three vacancies (one long-standing, two from resignations over the weekend). The board appointed John Broker Campbell and Jacob Chase to fill two of the three seats. For the planning commission, Jacob Chase was appointed to a term expiring March 2029, despite concerns about him serving on multiple boards (he also serves on the DRB and is a select board member). Todd Heninger, who had applied for the planning commission, expressed disappointment and noted his intention to step down from the DRB.
• Warrants: The warrants for September 14, 2026, were approved: General fund payroll $22,923.76 and operating expenses $74,818.71; Highway fund payroll $10,248.38 and operating expenses $37,621.99; Solid waste payroll $2,348.16 and operating expenses $29,060.71; Library payroll $272.07 and operating expenses $300.30; plus a Route 106 screen bank repayer item of $108,995.63. Grand total payroll $38,222.37, operating expenses $250,797.

Key Outcomes

• Approved corrected minutes for July 21, July 23, July 27, August 4, August 13, August 24, and August 31, 2026, with amendments to accurately record motions and seconds.
• Appointed Suzanne Terrell as interim delinquent tax collector until a new town manager is hired (unanimous).
• Adopted the FY28 budget development timeline as presented.
• Appointed John Broker Campbell and Jacob Chase to the budget committee.
• Appointed Jacob Chase to the planning commission for a term expiring March 2029.
• Approved warrants totaling $38,222.37 payroll and $250,797 operating expenses.
• Noted that the solid waste fund deficit has reached an estimated $195,000-$200,000, requiring potential borrowing and operational changes.