The Litchfield Budget Committee met tonight (6/25/20) and all members were in attendance.
Mr. Cutter shared correspondence which includes school board reports, minutes from May, town budget updates, and budget committee calendar for 20-21.
5/28 Minutes (as amended) were accepted by the committee.
Town Business Updates Included:
-Mr. Leary shared updates from the town, which included assessments for the town. A representative from Avitar Associates will attend the next selectmen meeting. Town Hall is slowly opening this month.
-Ms. Fordey shared questions that were raised regarding the town weekly budget expenditures. Those questions were around funds for ballots that were low, which will be offset by state funds. Also, a new line item was created for Covid-19, which is used to track expenses for Covid-19 and expect 100% reimbursement for items in this account.
School Business Updates Included:
-Ms. Harrison provided updates from the School Board, which included the re-opening task force that begins meeting next month to determine opening for the fall. Surveys will be going out to parents, students, and staff to continue to collect feedback. An estimate of $734,00 is to be refunded to the town.
-Ms. Harrison also provided an update of the year-end expenditures which included approximately $363,000 in expenses for projects that includes LMS Canopy, CHS Mobile Bleachers, GMS Chromebook Expansion at 3rd Grade, and a new locker room floor at LMS.
-Mr. Son asked a question around CARES funds from the federal government and how those funds can support end of year expenses for remote learning. Ms. Harrison said the school board is still awaiting guidance on how those funds can be spent, but they will be receiving $75,000.
Member Input / New Business:
-Mr. Cutter shared the newest version of the BC Meeting Calendar for 2020-2021 and asked for member feedback and input. The calendar as presented was agreed upon by the committee.
-Mr. Son asked a question around providing support during town meetings, especially if we have to continue in a virtual environment. He suggested we ensure we have the tools and infrastructure to allow citizens to join remotely for discussions and provide input as we move through the budget process.
-Mr. Cutter shared updates on the By-Laws adoption, which was presented at the last budget committee meeting. A vote took place to approve new bylaws around social media and communication and passed 7-1-0.
-Mr. Cutter shard updates from the Capital Improvement Planning Committee, which included potential land acquisition, replacement of fire pumper truck and fire engine, and a potential new police station. All of these items would have to be presented to the board of selectmen for review prior to review of the budget committee. Next month will include discussions around a new school, the police station, and additional department and committee updates.
The next Budget Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 27th at 7pm. A formal agenda will be provided as soon as it is finalized.
As a reminder, Budget Committee responses to posts on social media are not permitted.