741 Colonel Ledyard Highway  
Ledyard, Connecticut 06339  
TOWN OF LEDYARD  
Finance Committee  
Meeting Minutes  
Chairman S. Naomi  
Rodriguez  
Regular Meeting  
Wednesday, May 21, 2025  
5:00 PM  
Town Hall Annex Building - Hybrid  
Format  
In -Person: Council Chambers, Town Hall Annex Building  
Remote Participation: Information Noted Below:  
Join Zoom Meeting from your Computer, Smart Phone or Tablet:  
pwd=mhrBwLyZkBK6O0McHMDEoiMExX9It4.1  
by Audio only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 851 1172 6269; Passcode:  
865973  
I
CALL TO ORDER  
the Meeting was called to order by Committee Chairman Councilor Saccone at 5:00  
p.m. at the Council Chambers Town Hall Annex Building.  
Councilor Saccone welcomed all to the Hybrid Meeting. He stated for the Town  
Council Finance Committee and members of the Public who were participating via  
video conference that the remote meeting information was available on the Agenda  
that was posted on the Town’s Website - Granicus-Legistar Meeting Portal.  
II.  
ROLL CALL  
Tony Saccone  
Jessica Buhle  
Tim Ryan  
Present:  
In addition, the following were present:  
Bill Barnes Town Councilor  
Carman Garcia-IrizarryTown Councilor  
Gary St. Vil Town Councilor  
Fred Allyn, IIMI ayor  
Matthew Bonin Finance Director  
Scott Johnson, Jr. Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Director  
Jason HartlingSchool Superintendent  
Earl (Ty) Lamb Board of Education Finance Committee Chairman  
Joanne KelleyBoard of Education  
Brandon Grabner Board of E  
Tom Goudreault Resident  
Edwin MurrayResident  
Roxanne Maher Administrative Assistant  
III.  
RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS  
Mr. Thom Goudreault, 39 Blacksmith Drive, Ledyard, attending remotely via  
Zoom, stated that he was happy to be here and that he hoped that they could make  
some progress with the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget because the increased costs  
were killing them.  
Mr. Christopher Jelden, 3 Whalehead Road, Ledyard, stated that he was present this  
evening to address the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget noting that he was frustrated by  
yesterday's referendum results with both the Budget and the additional funding to  
move forward with Juliet W. Long Heating Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC)  
not being approved. He stated that he was happy to see the number of people who  
came out and voted increased significantly from over last year. He stated the budget  
preparation process he watched was pretty much a bipartisan effort both at the Town  
Council and the Board of Education, noting that they worked to put together budgets  
that would work for both the Town and the Board of Education. However, he stated  
yesterday the budget vote seemed to just fall into what looked like party lines. He  
stated that he did not like talking about politics and parties, noting that he watched  
the Finance Committee talk about the town side of the budget, and how they put  
together a budget that was responsible, thoughtful, included significant sacrifices, and  
that everyone here seemed to support the town budget. He went on to state the Board  
of Education, which he was especially interested in, seemed to be unanimously in  
agreement between the Republicans and the Democrats; commenting that sometimes  
they could not tell who was affiliated with each party. He stated that they were all in  
favor of the budget that they put forth, after a lot of diligence and hard work.  
However, he stated by the time the vote happened all that nuance was lost. He stated  
that he saw a few Town Councilors and Board of Education Members working  
tirelessly online to try to answer residents questions who were voicing their opinions  
and their thoughts on social media because they were desperately trying to get  
information out there, noting that some people were just never going to be swayed.  
Mr. Jelden stated that he applauded and appreciated the elected officials who did that  
heavy lifting on the behalf of the whole town.  
Mr. Jelden continued by addressing the additional funding needed to move forward  
with the Juliet W. Long School Heating Ventilation and Air Condition System  
(HVAC) Project. He stated when his child came home from school and threw-up  
because of how hot the Juliet W. Long School was; that he went from the teacher all  
the way up to the superintendent to voice his concerns. He stated the teachers were  
doing their best, but they have no Air Conditioning in the school. He stated the  
unhealthy conditions in the school was the reason he started to attend the Board of  
Education meetings and Town Council meetings. Therefore, he stated that he was  
really disappointed when the townspeople did not approve the request for the  
additional funding to move forward with the Juliet W. Long School HVAC System at  
the May 20, 2025 Referendum. He stated they were now left with the following two  
options: (1) The kids continue to face unhealthy conditions when the school gets hot  
in the spring, or (2) If the town does not address the HVAC System now that they  
would have to address it for much more money down the line. He stated that prices  
were only going up, noting that this was the economic realities of today, and that  
Ledyard does not have control over those costs. He appealed to the Finance  
Committee to resubmit the request for the additional funding to move forward with  
the Juliet W. Long HVAC Project.  
Mr. Jelden concluded his comments by stating that the voters clearly want a smaller  
budget, noting thr Budget Advisory Questions “ Was the Board of Education Budget  
Too High or Too Low; and Was the General Government Budget Too High or Too  
Low” showed a general distaste for higher taxes. He stated that what he saw from the  
Advisory Questions was that more voters responded that the General Government  
Budget was Too  
High than those who responded that the Board of Education Budget was Too High.  
Therefore, he stated that the Finance Committee and Town Council were going to  
have to decided where to make budget cuts. He stated over the next two weeks that  
he would look further at the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget and provide  
feedback.  
Mr. Jacob Hurt, 6 Nugget Hill Drive, Gales Ferry, stated that he was speaking for  
himself this evening. He stated that the town had a great turnout for the May 20, 2025  
Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget Referendum. He noted as he stated at the May 19,  
2025 Annual Town Meeting that he supported the proposed budget as it was  
presented to the voters yesterday. He stated the townspeople voting the proposed  
budget down provided their elected officials a clear signal that the residents desired a  
lower mil rate influencing cuts on both sides of the budget. He stated that he agreed  
with Mr. Jelden that during the day there was a lot of effort to try to push information  
out there and he thanked the three members or the Finance Committee for their work.  
He noted that he also found Councilor Garcia-Irizarry to be very helpful.  
Mr. Hurt continued by stating that he wanted to provide a couple feedback points that  
may push some people from their position from “I don’t know - to- Sure why not”;  
and from “ No to Yes” He asked the Town Council to reflect on the reason for the  
information gap, noting that social media ended up being the forum of preference,  
noting that they had to fight on the battlefield they were on. He thanked those who  
used social media to put out information; and to those who were providing  
explanations, noting that it was very helpful. He went onto state that he would not say  
that misinformation was provided, but that it was more like information was missing.  
Therefore, he stated for the next time around that he would ask the Town Council to  
articulate the budget cuts they decide to make and what the town would be losing so  
that residents could have a chance to understand the impacts of the budget cuts. He  
stated there may be an avenue for people to say “No” to the budget next time around,  
because it was too low.  
Mr. Hurt went on to address the Juliet W. Long Heating Ventilation and Air  
Condition (HVAC) System Project also being voted down. He stated that he would  
like to see some information on the effect of voting the HVAC Project down such as:  
(a) What was the short-term effect; and (b) What was the long-term effect.  
Mr. Hurt returned to commenting on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget. He  
stated that he supported the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget, not because of  
its magnitude, but because he understood the work that went into it, and he  
understood with both parties doing their work that the proposed budget was not going  
to get too much better than what was presented to the voters on May 20, 2025.  
However, he stated that his fellow residents disagreed with all the work that was  
already done to prepare the budget. Therefore, he stated that it was now time to try to  
bridge that disagreement and to try to figure out: (a) Shat cuts to make; (b) Where to  
make the cuts; (c) How it would impact residents; and (d) How to get this  
information out to the community. He stated that these decisions were tough, noting  
the words of one Town Councilor “That it was a bare minimum budget”. Mr. Hurt  
stated with that bare minimum budget being rejected that any decisions made this  
evening were going to be difficult, widespread; and long-lasting. He stated if they had  
an enterprise that they wanted to protect and that they wanted to make sure  
unintended effects do not occur, that they needed to vocalize those as well.  
Mr. Hurt cautioned the Town Council stating that there were legal limits to how low  
they could go with the budget cuts because there were contractual requirements. He  
stated that they all have to live in this town together, and not everybody was going to  
get what they want. Therefore, he suggested that the Town Council not let perfect get  
in the way of good enough. He stated as of this morning that there were now  
employees in Town Hall; and educators in the School District; and kids and educators  
in a couple of schools that are looking at a hot summer, and were not getting  
everything they want and what they need. Therefore, he asked that the Town Council  
keep all of this in-mind and that they do not let perfect get in the way of good  
enough. He thanked the Finance Committee for their work, and he stated that he  
looked forward to the next round of information, and the next opportunity to vote on  
the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget.  
Mr. Earl (Ty) Lamb, 95 Lambtown Road, Ledyard, Board of Education, stated that  
he was representing himself this evening. He stated that his comments would dovetail  
with Mr. Jelden’s comments and Mr. Hurt’s comments this evening. He stated the  
reason he decided to run to serve on the Board of Education was the incident at the  
grammar school where they did not have air condition in the building with the  
children in the building during the summer. He stated that he thought that they  
needed to communicate a little better on the Budget and the Bonding Process to  
proceed with the Juliet W. Long Heating Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC)  
Project; along with the 61.78% State Grant Reimbursement to town was eligible to  
receive for the Project. He explained to qualify to receive the 61.78%; or $5,282,190  
that the town needed to have the project completed by December, 2026. He stated if  
the townspeople do not approve the request for the additional funding that it would  
be like canceling the project, explaining that if they do not meet the project  
completion deadline that the town would be picking up the whole tab for the HVAC  
Project.  
Ms. Wendy Hellkenson, 14-H Lakeside Drive, Ledyard, stated that she was active in  
the community and that she was a teacher in the School District. She cautioned the  
Finance Committee to be really careful with the Budget; stating as many know  
Ledyard had the lowest Per Pupil Expenditure in the area, noting that their Per Pupil  
Expenditure was within the lowest 10% in the State. She also noted that Ledyard’s  
student success rates in terms of grades, education and standardized test scores. She  
stated if Ledyard provided more money for their schools, that they would ensure that  
their students would do better; stating that was a fact. She stated that Ledyard  
Schools do so much with the budget that they have, noting that it was incredible. She  
stated that she worked in a another school district for almost 20-years, and that she  
has never seen such a hardworking staff as she has seen here in Ledyard. She stated if  
the Finance Committee was thinking about making any cuts to the Board of  
Education Budget that they keep in mind that every cut made would impact an actual  
child that lives in town. Thank you.  
Mr. Edwin Murray, 26 Devonshire Drive, Gales Ferry, stated that nearly three times  
the number of townspeople that typically vote, turned out to vote at the May 20, 205  
Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget. He stated that this may be the first time in a few years  
that the town was actually hearing what their residents think. He stated that he has  
lived in Ledyard for only three- years and that this was the first year that he has seen  
so much early conversation about coming out and vote, noting in past years the voter  
turnout was somewhere between 200 - 246 people. He stated the voter turnout this  
year was a tremendous increase, noting that while this does not speak for the whole  
town that increasing the voter turnout from 2% to 15 % showed that perhaps people  
were getting more adapted to the time of year for the budget process. He stated that  
he knew that it was now late in the budget process and that time was limited and that  
important decisions were going to have to be made. However, he stated that his  
takeaway was that as they go forward the townspeople would have to live with  
whatever was decided, as has been done over the many years. He stated that town  
officials have been preparing budgets for years; however, he stated going forward,  
that they need to try to find a way to get the word out more clearly and to touch more  
people individually to get more residents to vote on the Referendum. Thank you.  
Ms. Joanne Kelley, 12 Thames View Pentway, Gales Ferry, Board of Education  
Member, stated that she was very disappointed with the May 20, 2025 Referendum  
vote; and she questioned what they gained from the Referendum. She stated that there  
was a concerted effort by some people to get out the “No Vote”; and that she thought  
that they were successful. She stated that her biggest issue for those who were  
working to get the “No Vote” out was that they should have just encourage people to  
Vote, noting that there was nothing wrong with that. She stated that she felt that the  
entire Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget cycle was manipulated to obtain a failure to  
pass. She stated that it was her opinion that the Budget Advisory Questions were odd;  
however; she stated that the Advisory Questions brought a lot of people out to vote;  
and she rhetorically questioned “What they learned ?” She stated that they learned  
that a lot of people would do what they were told to do for political reasons; and she  
questioned “What do we do with this Budget Advisory Questions information now?  
She stated that they now know that some people think the Board of Education Budget  
was Too High, and quite a few more people thought that Town Budget was Too High.  
She also questioned what they do with the Juliet W. Long School HVAC System  
Project now that the townspeople did not approve the additional funding requested to  
move the project forward. She questioned whether they could cancel the project,  
noting that if they delay the project that it would cost the town much more money.  
Ms. Kelley continued to state that it was her opinion that a lot of misleading  
information was used to solicit the “No Vote”, noting that was what she has seen on  
social media the last couple of days. She stated that it was unfortunate that after  
reading the information on social media that people were coming away with incorrect  
opinions about the impact the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget would have  
on their obligation for taxes. Therefore, she stated that yesterday she was on social  
media all day, because people kept posting questions such as “Oh, my God! My  
neighbor's house just sold for 450,000; that means my taxes were going to go up over  
a thousand dollars”. Ms. Kelley stated that she spent the day explaining to people the  
difference between Assessed Value and Market Value.  
Ms. Kelley went on to explain the difference between Assessed Value versus Market  
Value. She stated had the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget passed that  
people’s taxes would have gone up by about $300 to $400 a year. She noted that she  
was not saying that was negligible, or that it would not be a burden for some people.  
However, she stated that there was a misconception on social media that people’s  
taxes would have gone up by thousands of dollars, which was written in this  
infographic that went around social media, noting that was a quote. She stated for  
someone’s taxes to increase by thousands of dollars that their house would have to be  
valued at over $2 million. She commented that she was not saying that there were no  
homes in Ledyard that were valued at $2 million. However, she stated the high end of  
the graph on social media showed a $1,200 increase for a home assessed at $450,000.  
She stated today a house Assessed at $450,000 would have a Market Value of $1.2  
million; however, she stated that was not the typical house. Therefore, she stated that  
many people's taxes would not be going up by thousands of dollars noting that was  
flat-out misinformation.  
Ms. Kelley also stated that she had concerns regarding the misinformation that was  
on social media regarding the 2025 Revaluation; as though there was going to be a  
second mil rate hit with the Revaluation. She stated the mil rate was adjusted when  
the Grand List changes. However, she stated that was not the message that was  
circulating on social media. She stated that there was an attempt to get a message out  
to people that it was going to be a double hit. She stated that this type of  
misinformation on social media really bothered her and that we have to work to  
educate the residents in good faith; and stop this kind of nonsense before the second  
Budget Vote.  
Ms. Kelley concluded her remarks by stating that she knew for a fact that there was  
nothing the Board of Education could do without in their Budget, noting that she was  
not as familiar with the Town side of the Budget. Therefore, she stated that she hoped  
before the second Budget Vote takes place that they would be able to give people  
good information. Thank you  
Councilor Saccone thanked the residents for their comments this evening.  
IV.  
V.  
PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS  
None.  
APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
MOTION to approve the Finance Committee Minutes of May 7, 2025.  
Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Ryan  
VOTE:  
3 - 0 Approved and so declared  
APPROVED AND SO DECLARED  
Jessica Buhle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Tim Ryan  
SECONDER:  
Finance Director’s Report  
Finance Director Matthew Bonin commented on the Juliet W. Long School Heating  
VI.  
Ventilation and Air Condition(HVAC) System Project and the importance of the timing  
to get the project underway relative to getting it completed by the December, 2026  
deadline to be eligible to receive the 61.78% State Grant Funding. He stated completed  
from his standpoint was physically complete, but not yet fully invoiced because invoices  
can lag.  
School Superintendent Jason Hartling stated the Project would be completed when the  
Permanent Municipal Building Committee Accepted the Project as Complete.  
CONTINUE  
Financial Reports  
Finance Director Matthew Bonin stated the following Reports were attached to the  
RESULT:  
VII.  
agenda on the meeting portal and that he would answer any questions regarding the  
reports.  
· Budget versus Actuals - Revenues - April 30, 2025  
· Budget versus Actuals - Expenditures - April 30, 2025  
Hearing no questions, Councilor Saccone noted that the Committee would move on  
to Old Business.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
VIII. OLD BUSINESS  
Discussion regarding potential uses for the funding received from the National Opioid  
1.  
Settlement Payments.  
Mayor Allyn, III noted that he reported at the April 9, 2025 Town Council Meeting  
that Ledyard received a Settlement Payment from Walgreens in the amount of  
$2,807. He stated that this was a smaller payment, however, it would help them to  
continue their drug and overdose prevention programs.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
Continued discussion regarding the status and possible changes to Capital Improvement Plan  
(CIP) and Capital Non-Recurring (CNR) Fund based on the American Rescue Act Funding  
(ARPA) and the process to approve ARPA Projects and expend ARPA Funding.  
2.  
Councilor Ryan noted the last ARPA Projects spreadsheet the Committee received  
was dated February, 2025. He questioned whether Finance Director Matthew Bonin  
had a more recent update. Mr. Bonin noted that he would provide the Finance  
Committee with the an updated spreadsheet.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
Continued discussion regarding upcoming potential Grant Opportunities.  
3.  
Councilor Buhle noted the Town’s $1 million 2025 Small Town Economic  
Assistance Program (STEAP) Application to replace five playscapes in town. She  
stated because of the number of Applications the State received that the STEAP  
Awards would be announced later this month, which was not as early as she had  
hoped for.  
Councilor Buhle noted at the Finance Committee’s May 19, 2025 Special Meeting  
they forwarded a recommendation for the Town Council to authorize the Mayor to  
submit a “2025 Certified Resolution of Application- Small Cities Program - Habitat for  
Humanityto obtain a $1 million grant. She explained that this would be a pass-through  
from the Town to the non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity to support  
infrastructure design and engineering work for lots 8, 9, and 11 Colby Drive for the  
development by Habitat for Humanity into 16 single family and 11 duplex homes, on  
Colby Drive. She stated that she was pleased to learn that Habitat for Humanity was also  
applying for a Community Investment Fund. Grant (CDF).  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
Discussion scheduling Regular Quarterly Joint Finance Committee Meetings between the  
Town Council and Board of Education.  
4.  
Councilor Saccone noted that he reached out to Board of Education Finance  
Committee Chairman Earl (Ty) Lamb to discuss potential dates to schedule Quarterly  
Joint Meetings between the two Finance Committees. He noted instead of adding  
more meetings to their schedules they were considering scheduling their Quarterly  
Meetings in place of one of their Regular Finance Committee bimonthly meetings.  
He stated that he and Mr. Lamb discussed holding Quarterly Meetings as follows:  
·
·
·
·
August, 2025 at the Board of Education Central Office  
November, 2025 at the Council Chambers, Town Hall Annex Building  
February, 2026 at the Board of Education Central Office  
May, 2026 at the Council Chambers, Town Hall Annex Building  
Councilor Saccone noted that Mr. Lamb would be discussing the Quarterly Meetings  
with the Board of Education Finance Committee. He also noted that Administrative  
Assistant Roxanne Maher had suggested all of the Joint Finance Committee Meetings  
be held in the Council Chambers. Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher noted the  
reason she suggested all four Quarterly Meetings be held in the Council Chambers  
was because they had the OWL and other technology set up to support both in-person  
and remote meetings via Zoom; and because she did not know what type of  
equipment the Board of Education Central Office has to support Hybrid Meetings.  
Board of Education Finance Committee Earl (Ty) Lamb stated that the Board of  
Education Central Office has a similar set up for technology to support Hybrid  
Meetings.  
CONTINUE  
RESULT:  
5.  
Any Old Business proper to come before the Committee.  
None.  
IX.  
NEW BUSINESS  
MOTION to grant a Bid Waiver to Building One Facility Services, LLC, of Durham,  
Connecticut, due to receiving fewer than the required three bids in response to Bid #2025-09  
(Janitorial Services), in accordance with Ordinance #200-07 (rev 1) “An Ordinance for  
Purchasing”  
1.  
Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Ryan  
Discussion: Mayor Allyn, III, stated that the town had a contract in-place for janitorial  
services for the Town Hall, Annex Building, and the Police Department which was at the  
point where they had two one-year options to extend the contract. However, he stated the  
town decided to test the market and solicit bids rather than exercise the option years. He  
stated that only two bids were received; therefore, a bid waiver was being requested. He  
explained in addition to a new Janitorial Vendor, that as a cost-cutting measure the new  
contract would clean the Town Hall and the Annex Building once a week and the Police  
Department five days per week, noting that they have three shifts that operate 24/7. He  
stated the staff would take out their trash, noting that this was another step for a lean  
operation at Town Hall. He stated the new Janitorial Services Contract was for four  
years and would be a savings of $9,800 per year, which he would discuss later this  
evening during their review of the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget.  
VOTE: 3- 0 Approved and so declared  
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL  
Jessica Buhle  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
Tim Ryan  
SECONDER:  
Discussion and possible action on the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget.  
2.  
Councilor Saccone stated at the May 20, 2025 Referendum that the townspeople did  
not approve the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget in the amount of  
$71,062,240 comprised of a General Government Budget of $30,394,998 and a Board of  
Education Budget of $40,667,242; which was a 5.23% increase over the current year’s  
budget and was calling for an estimated 2.76 mil increase for a projected mil rate of  
37.97 in the coming year. Therefore, he stated in accordance with Chapter VII; Section  
6, of the Town Charter the Annual Budget would come back to the Finance Committee  
and Town Council to make adjustments to resubmit a proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026  
on the voting machines on June 10, 2025 (3 weeks after the initial Referendum).  
Councilor Saccone continued by stating that although he did not like the outcome that  
their taxpayers have spoken. He stated while he does not follow social media; that  
from what he has heard it sounded like there was some misinformation; and  
therefore, he did not think their residents were not fully and correctly informed.  
Councilor Saccone stated starting back in October, November and December, 2024  
that he begged residents to please show up to the Finance Committee meetings so  
that they would be fully informed, and so they could ask questions. He stated when  
the Finance Committee received the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget that it  
was already $2.4 million dollars in the red because of the following expenses and  
reductions in revenue:  
Expenses:  
· Healthcare Expenses for both Town Employees and Board of Education Employees.  
Councilor Saccone stated that these were bargained for benefits and the town had no  
control over the increasing cost.  
ü
ü
General Government Employee - Increase of $76,756  
Board of Education Employees - Increase of $875,960  
· Salary Increases - Board of Education  
Councilor Saccone noted that the Board of Education salaries were contractual and  
increased by $990,000.  
Revenues:  
·
Public Act 24-46 “An Act Establishing a Property Tax Exemption for Veterans Who  
Have a Service-Connected Permanent and Total Disability Rating” Effective: October  
1, 2024.  
Councilor Saccone stated that many Ledyard residents were veterans, and we support  
our veterans. However, he explained the Bill coming out of Hartford would provide a  
reduction of about $550,000 in tax revenue for Ledyard; and the State has not  
provided any funding to help off-set these revenue reductions.  
Councilor Saccone continued by addressing the Juliet W. Long School Heating  
Ventilation and Air Condition(HVAC) System Project and the requested additional  
funding to move the project forward. He stated with the installation of the air  
conditioning system in the elementary school that the kids would be much more  
comfortable; they would have better air to breath, they would learn better, and they  
would not fall asleep. He stated that he believed voting down the additional funding  
required to move forward with the Juliet W. Long School HVAC Project was either  
misinformation; or just a bad decision. He stated that he hoped they could present the  
funding request back to the voters soon. He stated that he had four kids that went  
through the Ledyard School System and the buildings were not air conditioned at that  
time. He noted that there were times that the second floor in the High School would  
reach 85 degrees in the classrooms. He stated Ladies and Gentlemen while he  
understands that these projects were costly, at some point they had to fund these  
projects especially when they have the opportunity to obtain State Grant funding to  
pay for 61.78% of the cost.  
Councilor Buhle noted as she has stated throughout this year’s budget preparation  
process and last year’s budget preparation process, which was that Ledyard has an  
income problem. She stated that they do not have a lot of business in town to help  
assist and pay for taxes. She stated although they do not know what reduction limit  
the voters were looking for, that she was willing to discuss it with her two fellow  
Finance Committee Members. She stated that they had input from the public; and  
she reminded them that when the Finance Committee started their working on the  
proposed Fiscal  
Year 2025/2026 Budget they already had a $2.4 million increase which equated to  
about 1.8 mils. She stated with all of the other increases in expenses that the  
proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget presented at the May 20, 2025 Referendum  
was calling for a 2.76 mil increase. Therefore, she questioned how they could reduce  
2.76 mil increase when 1.8 mils was to pay for Healthcare Insurance that was  
mandated by Hartford, and Salary Increases that were contractual.  
Councilor Buhle continued by stating that yesterday she spent all day, to the  
detriment of her mental health, answering questions on the Internet and asking  
questions for the following reasons: To encourage residents to dive into the budget;  
and For her to gain an understanding of: (1) Whether they were at the same table; (2)  
Were they all playing the same game; and (3) Were they all looking at the same  
budget. She noted when she asked the question on social media “What number would  
bring you to a “Yes” in looking at the 2.76 mil increase that someone said “I won't  
vote for any budget with an increase at all. I don't care what party is in power; and  
that they had not seen a single -0- budget increase the entire time they looked at  
budget”.  
Councilor Buhle continued by addressing a comment that was made in response to  
her questions on social media, explaining that she was not asking constituents to do  
her job. She stated the reason she was asking questions was to encourage residents to  
look through the town’s expenses and to consider what services they were willing to  
give up. She stated that someone chastised her for using the word sacrifice. She  
stated that these were sacrifices noting that their kids were already sacrificing.  
However, she stated based on some of the responses she was seeing on social media  
that some residents were not playing in good faith, they were not voting; or having a  
conversation, and they were not acting realistically, especially when the town was  
facing 0.51% decrease in the Grand List. She stated without including contractual  
obligations that the budget amount they started with was a decrease from the current  
year. She stated even if the budget was flat funded from this year to next year that  
they would have seen an increase in taxes.  
Councilor Buhle stated that she wanted to be respectful and say “Come to the table. If  
there was a number that makes sense in your head, and if there was different number  
that makes sense in her head; then let's talk about it; let's make sure we find a budget  
that works for our town”. However, she stated when she asked “What was the budget  
that would work for you; and she received a response that said cut $3.5 million” she  
stated that $3.5 million that would be more than all of the Police Department. She  
stated that they have to be real about what those cuts mean for our town. She stated  
that $3.5 million dollars would be every single staff member at the Gales Ferry  
School and Juliet W. Long School.  
Councilor Buhle stated those calling for a -0- mil rate increase and those shouting  
Vote No” was an extreme disservice to our community. She stated by voting “No”  
for the additional funding needed to move forward with the Juliet W. Long School  
Heating Ventilation and Air Condition (HVAC) System, that the kids and staff would  
be facing another hot summer, noting that Ledyard had the lowest Per Pupil  
Expenditure in the county. She stated that it was 2025 and Ledyard Public Schools do  
not have STEM Teachers at the elementary school level, noting that they should have  
had the STEM Teachers 10-years ago, noting that this was a disservice to our  
students.  
Councilor Buhle stated that she did not want to be disingenuous, and say that the tax  
increase was not a burden, noting that she understands that there were many  
taxpayers in their town who were struggling to make ends meet. She noted that she  
watches the Scholarship Funds for the Parks and Recreation Summer Camp get used  
up quickly because there were more applicants than there were funds available. She  
also noted that the Linda C. Davis Food Pantry was also seeing an increase in usage,  
and that there were a lot of burdens like these happening in town.  
Councilor Buhle stated that what she finds most frustrating; and she noted that she  
has said this before, was that Ledyard does not have low taxes; and if they do not  
raise the mil rate; that they would still not have low taxes. However, she stated if they  
do not raise the mil rate now that they would still be paying high taxes and they  
would have a town that may lose their library services; and they would have a town  
where their education system would get worse; they would have a town without fire  
departments, or police officers. Therefore, she questioned what she was paying  
$7,200 in taxes a year for, if she was not going to have a library, or good schools, or  
good police officers, noting that would feel worthless to her. Therefore, she stated  
that they have to do their best to find which services make sense for our residents,  
and understand that there were things in our town that they fund; that other towns do  
not fund. She suggested that the Ledyard strongly look at whether they continue to  
fund garbage collection as a town. She stated that Montville and Stonington  
charge/bill their residents for garbage collection. However, she stated Ledyard  
provides garbage collection and they do not charge/bill their residents for that service,  
stating that no one recognizes that. She stated that maybe garbage collection services  
was a bill they need to have in Ledyard, so residents would feel like their taxes were  
lower.  
Councilor Buhle stated that she was extremely disheartened with the unwillingness of  
those that she spoke to, to come to the table with a realistic number; and with a  
number that would bring them to a “Yes Vote”. She stated while she understands that  
the Advisory Questions resulted in the taxpayers saying that the General Government  
Budget was Too High by more responses than those who replied that the Board of  
Education Budget was Too High, that to be very forthcoming, that she was not going  
to continue to hack at a budget that was passed unanimously by this Finance  
Committee, noting that it was a budget that they thought was reasonable. She stated  
that she was not going to cut things that she knew were valuable services to our  
residents, noting for residents to vote that they have to do a better job of explaining  
the budget, as Councilor Saccone said earlier this evening. She stated that this was  
going to be an uphill battle and that it was not getting any easier.  
Councilor Buhle went on to state that she was grateful to all of the residents that  
came out to the polls on May 20, 2205, noting that she loved voter participation. She  
stated that those who know her have seen her campaign. She stated when she knocks  
on residents doors that she tells them that she does not care if she loses, noting that  
she would rather have everyone in town vote, and she lose, than see people not vote,  
because she would rather have a real representation of how the voters feel. She stated  
that she hoped that they could find a budget number and also provide information that  
would allow the voters to understand that budget number. She stated that she  
recognizes that the budget increase was probably not going to be pretty at the end of  
the day, because she did not see a budget number that would come in at a -0- mil  
increase; because in her mind that does not exist.  
Councilor Buhle stated that she hoped that they could find a number that makes sense  
for our town, our residents and our education system that would answer their call.  
She stated that they need to make sure our residents understand that we have done  
everything we can, and we are challenging the budget where they could. She stated  
that she knows that Councilor Ryan’s definition “of everything we can do” and her  
definition “of everything we can do” were two different definitions, and that was fine  
because they were different people. However, she stated that she wanted to make sure  
that they were educating and providing more information about the budget to their  
residents.  
Councilor Buhle continued by stating when they speak about Fiscal Year 2025/2026  
Budget that she would also echo the comments about the Juliet W. Long Heating  
Ventilation and Air Condition System (HVAC) Project. She stated that those who  
promoted a “No Vote” without taking the time to explain the importance of that  
HVAC question on the May 20, 2025 Referendum was extremely detrimental for our  
town. She stated the Finance Committee and the Town Council held meetings on  
April 16, 2025 and talked about how important it was for the request for the  
additional funding to pass. She stated that they also talked about the opportunity to  
lose the State’s $5,282,190 Grant Reimbursement funding if the HVAC Project was  
not completed on time (December, 2026). She stated by “Voting No” for the request  
for the additional funding to move forward with the Juliet W. Long School HVAC  
Project that they just potentially cost their Town $5 million; because some people  
said “Vote No” and did not explain. She stated that those who were advising that  
residents “Vote No” needed to provide an explanation but no one did. She stated that  
this was an extreme disservice to our taxpayers, and it was an extreme disservice to  
our residents. Thank you.  
Councilor Ryan stated that he wanted to clarify some comments regarding the Fiscal  
Year 2025/2026 Budget being unanimously approved by the Finance Committee. He  
stated during the April 23, 2025 Special Finance Committee Meeting and the April  
23, 2025Town Council Meeting he “Voted No” stating that he was not in-favor to  
forward the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget in the amount of $71,062,240  
comprised of a General Government Budget of $30,394,998 and a Board of Education  
Budget of $40,667,242; which was a 5.23% increase over the current year’s budget and  
was calling for an estimated 2.76 mil increase for a projected mil rate of 37.97 in the  
coming year. He stated that he also “Voted No” at the May 20, 2025 Referendum, stating  
that this should not be a surprise, noting that he has made his position clear  
throughout this year’s budget preparation process.  
Councilor Ryan continued by stating that the Finance Committee talked about the  
General Government’s proposed Budget, and they all agreed that it was very lean. He  
noted that there were some observations which he made as well, that the Budget  
Advisory Questions and the results were thoroughly confusing. He stated that the  
Voters responded that they thought the General Government budget was too high. He  
stated in thinking about the responses received that he then realized the one glaring  
fact was that the General Government Budget was carrying the Board of Education  
Employees $6,069,790 Healthcare Expenses on the town side of the budget ledger  
and not on the Board of Education side of the budget ledger. He stated although the  
Finance Committee and the Town Council talked about the proper recording of the  
Board of Education Employee’s Healthcare expenses at length, and they made it  
known to the residents, that people were saying on social media and what he has  
heard in-person was that residents did not know this fact; and they were saying that  
there was misleading information, misguided information, and scare tactics were used  
by everybody for this vote.  
Councilor Ryan stated that he was disappointed with the results of the May 20, 2025  
Referendum for the Juliet W. Long School Heating Ventilation and Air Condition  
System (HVAC) Project. He stated that he “Voted Yes” to authorize the additional  
$1,250,000 to continue to move the HVAC Project forward; explaining that the  
bonding was needed. Therefore, he stated that they need to find a path forward to  
facilitate this Project, noting that he was on-board with taking the necessary steps to  
make the Juliet W. Long HVAC Project happen.  
Councilor Ryan stated while he understood people’s frustration of not getting their  
desired outcome on the Referendum, that the blame game by one group of people  
versus the other group of people was not productive or fruitful. Therefore, he stated  
that they have to figure out a path forward. He stated when we have a vote where  
1,300 people turned out to vote, which was three- times more than the last  
referendum, which was a 2-1 ratio that it was a mandate, stating that they had to do  
something with the budget. He stated that he agreed with Councilor Buhle that he  
also did not think there was a viable path forward for a -0- mil increase because there  
were critical functions that need to be maintained, as Councilor Saccone mentioned  
earlier this evening. Councilor Ryan stated a “critical” was not a subjective term.  
Councilor Ryan stated Healthcare and Salaries were critical because they were  
contractual obligations that the town was legally obligated to honor. However, he  
stated there were some expenses that were not necessarily obligated; but should be on  
the table and that they need to talk about. He noted multiple times during their  
Finance Committee meetings that he offered to talk about these expenses. However,  
he stated not one other Councilor on the Finance Committee wanted to entertain that  
discussion. He stated when he started to talk about a proposal for a reduction to the  
budget that there was a lot of back and forth; and after he asked if they were willing  
to entertain any cuts the answer he got was “No” and he stated that he hoped they  
remembered that conversation. He stated that was frustrating to him at the time;  
however, he stated that they now have a clear direction from the public right that  
something needs to be done to the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget. He stated  
that the members of the Finance Committee would each have their opinions as to  
where they should start; however, he stated that the budget adjustments would not be  
entirely up to the Finance Committee, noting that the Town Council would also have  
input and finally the voters would have a say.  
Councilor Ryan continued by reviewing the Annual Budget Process noting that they  
had a limited timetable in front of them. He stated that he requested that the Town  
Council move the special meeting that was scheduled for next week up to this week  
because they only have three-weeks to the next Referendum (June 10, 2025). He  
stated the three weeks was not only for the Finance Committee and Town Council to  
deliberate on the budget, noting that there were a number of wheels in motion that  
were all waiting for the Town Council to complete their work. He stated that the  
Town Clerk had to get the ballots ordered, printed and delivered, the Registrars had  
to recalibrate and test voting machines, noting all this cannot be done until the ballots  
were delivered, noting that things need to be set up and scheduled and that  
announcements need to be made. He stated that there were timetables for all that  
needed to happen, therefore, he stated that it was frustrating to him that the Special  
Town Council Meeting was being delayed to next week. He stated that he was not  
going to speculate on the on the reason for that; however, he stated that it was  
irresponsible that the Town Council was being delayed to next week to even have a  
conversation about the budget, noting that it puts them in a tight spot schedule wise  
to get things set for the next Referendum that was scheduled for June 10, 2025;  
noting that by delaying they have eaten up a week.  
Councilor Ryan went on to state if the Second Revised Fiscal Year 2025/2026  
Budget Referendum passes that they would be free to move on with next fiscal year  
(25/26). However, he stated if the Second Referendum does not pass, the taxpayers  
would no longer have a say, because it would be up to the Town Council to decide  
what the budget would be. He stated that this scared him because the Fiscal Year  
2025/2026 Budget could go up or it could go down. Therefore, he stated that the  
Finance Committee had the opportunity this evening to do what was right. He stated  
that he hoped that they would come to a resolution on the budget that honored the  
wishes of the 1,300 voters that came out yesterday. He stated that he was not pointing  
at any specific budget, noting that overall the taxpayers desired a lower budget. He  
stated that he was open to discussing how to get to a lower budget, noting that he had  
empirical objective evidence, which was not nefarious, noting that they were just  
numbers, that he would talk about this evening to make sure everything was on the  
table.  
Councilor Buhle stated that she understood that she and Councilor Ryan have  
differing opinions and that he was implying that something nefarious was happening  
so that the Town Council does not meet tomorrow. She stated when Administrative  
Assistant Roxanne Maher called today she mentioned that Councilor Ryan had  
requested a Special Town Council Meeting for tomorrow because he was not  
available next week. Councilor Buhle stated that she worked on Thursday nights,  
which was the reason she was not available for a meeting tomorrow night.  
Councilor Buhle went on to state when she posted her comments online, and what  
she has said in- person, was that she would love for them to come to an agreement  
that they could all work on together and agree on. She noted Mr. Steve Munger’s  
comments that this was the first time that he noticed which political parties were on  
the Town Council. Councilor Buhle stated although she was not being partisan, that  
she felt there was partisan behavior during the last month and a half; and that she felt  
that this was to divide them. She stated that she did not want to imply that this Town  
Council does not want to work together, noting that they were all looking at the  
budget numbers and trying to make decisions that benefit every resident in our town,  
and not just her or the residents who spoke this evening like Mr. Chrisopher Jalen or  
Mr. Jacob Hurt. However, she stated that she thought that there were Town  
Councilors who were not coming to the table and being a part of a team. She stated  
that she thought that this was disingenuous, and that it was distasteful in her opinion.  
Councilor Ryan stated that he did not say a single word personally about Councilor  
Buhle, however, she chose to make a personal comment about him; and that he  
wanted to address her comments. He noted that Councilor Buhle stated that she was  
told that he was not available on Tuesday; and she said that she was not available on  
Thursday because she had to work. He stated that we all have jobs, that he had kids  
and that Councilor Buhle had kids. He stated to put it in Councilor Buhle’s words,  
that he was willing to sacrifice his time with his kids to be here tonight, noting that he  
only had his kids twice a week; and that he also offered to sacrifice tomorrow with  
his kids as well, so the Town Council could get things moving, because it was  
important to make all of this work for the town, noting that his May 22, 2025 email  
was clear and concise as his reasons for having a meeting this week instead of  
waiting to next week which were: (1) The tight schedule/timeline they had to come  
through budget revision, (2) Subsequent ballot ordering, absentee ballot mailings, and  
(3) Other requirements that warranted taking advantage of an earlier meeting, rather  
than waiting to next week. He noted that his email and reasons for the requesting a  
meeting this week would be part of the public record. He stated if Councilor Buhle  
could not make the meeting for Thursday, that was fine, noting that all they needed  
was a quorum. He stated that he understood that Councilor Buhle works; and that he  
understands that they all have obligations, noting that sometimes he cannot make a  
meeting; or that Councilor Buhle or Councilor Saccone cannot make a meeting. He  
stated that they all have lives and that serving on the Town Council was a volunteer  
job, noting that none of them get paid to serve the town. He stated if Councilor Buhle  
could not make a meeting that was fine; however, he stated if they could not honor  
the fact that they had a really tight timetable; which was his reason for requesting a  
meeting on Thursday; and that it was not for personal reasons, that he would have  
appreciated if she had talked to him privately first to clarify his reason, before she  
brought it up at a public meeting.  
Councilor Buhle commented on a 24-hour notice for a meeting. Councilor Ryan  
stated that the Town Council knew that if the budget was not approved they would  
have to hold a special meeting. He stated that he would be in attendance at the  
Special Meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.  
Councilor Saccone stated that he would like to move on to work on the budget noting  
that this exchange was not constructive on either part. He asked Mayor Allyn, III, if  
he would like to provide any comments.  
Mayor Allyn, III, began his comments by stating that he also supported the request to  
increase the town’s Bond Authorization by $1,250,000 to move the Juliet W. Long  
School Heating Ventilation and Air Condition System (HVAC) Project forward. He  
stated Staff was currently working with Bond Counsel on the path forward which  
they hoped would get the Project to the finish line.  
Mayor Allyn continued by addressing the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget noting that  
it was extremely lean. He stated the Finance Committee has combed through every  
one of the General Government Budget Lines. He stated in response to the voters  
rejecting the proposed budget that he worked with Department Heads today to make  
some further reductions. He explained that some of the suggested reductions were for  
fuels; however, he stated if the prices were to change that they would be behind the  
eight-ball.  
Mayor Allyn went on to note that as he has said throughout this budget preparation,  
that 31% of Ledyard’s population had their proverbial nose just above the waterline;  
and that they need to be concerned for those residents. He questioned by adding a  
2.76 mil increase whether Ledyard’s financially hardship families would increase  
from 31% to 41%; and he noted that he thought that this was entirely possible. He  
stated increasing the tax bill on a home in the Highlands by $300 or $500 was a  
challenge for some people. Therefore, he stated that this was not about whether each  
of them individually, who were making these decisions, could or could not afford the  
projected tax increase; he stated that it was about the residents that they represent;  
and that they needed to think about that.  
Mayor Allyn stated after backing out the Healthcare costs and Salaries that the  
General Government only had about $381,000 left; noting that the budget was very  
lean. However, he stated that voters have spoken; and the Town Council had to make  
some budget changes to try to make it palatable.  
Mayor Allyn explained that the General Government was at the point where the  
Nice to Have” things such as Libraries and the Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens  
Cetner were the only things left on the on the table, if they get to the point where they  
had to close something for budgetary purposes. He stated alternatively some have  
suggested the following:  
· Eliminate 5 Police Officers - Mayor Allyn stated for public safety reasons that  
was probably not a great idea.  
· Eliminate half the Public Works Department - Mayor Allyn stated the Public  
Works Department only had 17employees now; questioning what they would do  
when they have a snowstorm and it took 12-hours to get the roads plowed.  
Mayor Allyn addressed revenues, and he stated with the State Legislation approving  
Public Act 24-46 An Act Establishing a Property Tax Exemption for Veterans Who  
Have a Service-Connected Permanent and Total Disability Rating” Effective: October  
1, 2024 that Ledyard’s estimated loss in tax revenue was about $550,000. He stated that  
this was another expense that the residents would have to absorb.  
Mayor Allyn continued to note that he along with eight other Municipal Leaders from  
Southeastern Connecticut went to the State Capitol last week. He explained that the  
State of Connecticut has placed more than 1,400+ Unfunded Mandates on  
Municipalities; noting that it was crushing them. Therefore, he stated they lobbied  
hard asking for relief, and to say “Stop with the unfunded mandates; until the State  
understands what now have in place and they were doing to the 169 municipalities in  
the State”.  
Mayor Allyn presented the following budget adjustments, noting that while most  
were within the General Government’s Operational Budget and that he was also  
suggesting a decrease to the Capital Budget; as well as an increase to the revenue side  
of the budget.  
General Government Reductions:  
Account #  
Title  
Reduction  
New Amount  
$7,000  
Town Council  
10110101-5879  
Contingency  
$7,000  
Reason: Funding for unanticipated expenses  
Mayor’s Office  
10110201-58790 Contingency  
$1,500  
$6,000  
Reason: Funding for unanticipated expenses  
10110203-53700 Contract Maint/Leases  
$8,900  
$57,700  
Reason: New Janitorial Services - Reduced cleaning of Town Hall &Annex Building to once a  
week - Staff will take out trash.  
Human Resources  
10110253-52400  
Reason: Line used for contract retro pay, etc.  
10110253-52310 Defined Benefit Plan  
Salary Benefit Adjustments  
$25,000  
$50,000  
$20,00  
$780,000  
Reason: Remains $30,105 above USI actuarial determined contribution.  
Public Works  
Acct #101401-53300 Engineering/MS4  
$10,000  
$70,000  
Reason: MS4 costs have remained lower than anticipated. Discretionary engineering lowered as  
well.  
10140103-56260  
Gasoline/Oil  
$7,500  
$37,500  
Reason: Unleaded and Diesel pricing stabilized. Will project continued lower avg. prices.  
10140103-56265  
Disel Fuel  
$5,000  
$60,000  
Reason: Unleaded and Diesel pricing stabilized. Will project continued lower avg. prices.  
10140107-56301  
Sand and Salt  
$10,000  
$135,000  
Reason: Cascading inventory and lower demand have end of year maximum inventory. Will assume  
stable pricing.  
10140113-54210  
Solid Waste Disposal  
$5,000  
$706,300  
Reason: Solid waste removal of food scrap diversion program. Cost is 7 times normal disposal. Seek  
onsite option.  
10140113-58790  
Bulky Waste Removal  
$10,000  
$90,000  
Reason: Bid results returned after budget set. Bid result cost was less than projected.  
Police/Dispatch  
10120101-5626  
Disel/Gasoline  
$8,000  
$62,000  
Reason: Reflects continued stable pricing.  
Police/Dispatch (Continued)  
10120101-53645  
Reason: None provided  
Training Salary  
$5,000  
$2,800  
$80,000  
$4,200  
10120101-57300  
New Equip-Fire Arms  
Reason: Will stagger patrol rifle replacement over three fiscal years.  
Revenues  
Account #  
1010502-49002  
Title  
Increase  
New Amount  
$200,000 $1,504,675  
Mil Rate Stabilization  
· Mil Rate Stabilization- Other Transfer-In  
Councilor Ryan noted that the Town has budgeted to use funding from the Mil Rate  
Stabilization Fund in past budgets and he questioned: (1) How often the town has had  
to use the Mil Rate Stabilization Fund; and (2) Current Mil Rate Stabilization Fund  
Balance.  
Finance Director Matthew Bonin stated that the Mil Rate Stabilization Fund current  
balance was slightly under $3.5 Million. He explained for the current fiscal year (fy  
24/25) that $1 million was committed. He stated although they have not had to use  
the Mil Rate Stabilization allocation in past years, that he would not know until the  
end of this current budget year if the $1 million would be needed.  
Councilor Ryan stated that based on the funding that has already been committed  
from the Mil Rate Stabilization Fund that the balance was about $2.5 million. Mr.  
Bonin stated that was correct.  
· Salaries  
Councilor Buhle stated that she wanted to call out the elephant in the room; which  
was the salary increases for certain General Government Administrators/Department  
Heads. She stated in talking to voters who said the General Government Budget was  
Too High that they called out the Administrators/Department Head increases. She  
stated if they do not change the Administrators/Department Head Salary increases  
those residents would not approve the Adjusted Budget at the Second Referendum.  
She stated that she understood that Ledyard was not adequately paying these  
professionals compared to other towns and that they were correcting the salaries.  
However, s  
3.  
Any New Business proper to come before the Committee  
None  
X.  
ADJOURNMENT  
Councilor Buhle moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Councilor Ryan  
VOTE:  
3 - 0 Approved and so declared, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.  
Respectfully submitted,  
Anthony Saccone, Sr.  
Committee Chairman  
Finance  
Committee  
DISCLAIMER: Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the  
Town.