741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Finance Committee

Meeting Minutes

Chairman S. Naomi

Rodriguez

Sp. Finance Cmt Meeting - Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget

Monday, April 7, 2025

3:30 PM

Town Hall Annex Building - Hybrid

Format

In -Person: Council Chambers, Town Hall Annex Building

Remote Participation: Information Noted Below:

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CALL TO ORDER

the Meeting was called to order by Committee Chairman Councilor Saccone at 3:34

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:

S. Naomi Rodriguez, Town Council Chairman

Carmen Garcia-Irizarry, Town Councilor

Matthew Bonin, Finance Director

Ian Stammel, Assistant Finance Director

Christine Dias, Administrator of Human Resources

Jason Hartling, School Superintendent

Roxanne Maher, Administrative Assistant

VII. BUSINESS OF THE MEETING

Without objection, the Finance Committee agreed to reorder the Agenda to address the Fiscal

Year 2025/2026 Budget as Item #3.

MOTION to acknowledge the following “Advisory Questions” will be placed on the May

20, 2025 Referendum, in accordance with Chapter VII, Section 7 of the Town Charter:

1.) Do you believe the Board of Education budget is:

Too High

Too Low

2.) Do you believe the General Government budget is:

Too High

Too Low.

Moved by Councilor Saccone, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Councilor Saccone noted in accordance with Chapter VII: Section 7 of

the Town Charter “Advisory Questions” that the initial annual budget referendum

may be used to place non-binding advisory questions on the voting machines. He

stated that Advisory questions may be proposed by petition of at least 100 Town

electors or by the written request of at least four of the elected town officers listed in

Chapter II, Section 3. He stated on March 25 & 26 the Town Clerk received letters

from four Elected Officers requesting that Advisory Questions be included on the

May 20, 2025 Budget Referendum.

Councilor Saccone explained that this action was only to acknowledge that the

Advisory Questions would be on the Referendum.

Councilor Buhle questioned what would happen if the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget

passes, but the response to the Advisory Questions stated that the budget was too

high.

It was noted that if the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget passes that no further action

would be required regardless of the response to the Advisory Questions.

VOTE:

3- 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Tony Saccone

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tim Ryan

SECONDER:

Saccone, Buhle and Ryan

AYE:

MOTION to adopt a proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Water Operations Budget in the

amount $1,765,531.86.

Moved Councilor Saccone, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher stated in accordance with

Section 4 of Ordinance #400-001 “An Ordinance Establishing a Water Pollution

Control Authority” which states: “The WPCA shall provide, by the fourth Monday in

April, a budget of estimated revenues, expenditures and capital improvements for the

ensuing fiscal year for inclusion as an appendix in the Town annual budget. The

Town Council shall approve the water system budget”.

Assistant Finance Director Ian Stammel noted that the Water Operations Fiscal Year

2025/2026 Budget increased by $248,348.18 because their water provider, Groton

Utilities, increase their water rate by 4% and other operational costs.

Administrative Assistant Roxanne Maher explained per State Statute and Ordinance

$400-001 that the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) would be required to

hold a Public Hearing prior to increasing their water rates; and that the Town Council

was required to approve the water rate increase.

Assistant Finance Director Ian Stammel went on to explain that although Groton

Utilities has been increasing their water rate over the last five-years that the WPCA

had not passed that increase along to ratepayers the last three-years. Therefore, he

stated the WPCA needed to pass the water rate increase along to ratepayers.

Chairman Rodriguez questioned how the WPCA was able to pay for the annual

expenses if they did not pass along the water rate increase for this year.

Assistant Finance Director Ian Stammel stated because of the amount of water used

that adequate revenues were received to cover the WPCA’s expenses, noting that

Groton Utilities handles the Billing for the WPCA. Therefore, he stated along with

increasing their expenses that the WPCA also increased their revenues in the

upcoming Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget.

Councilor Ryan questioned whether they had to consider the um depreciation expense

in the overall budget increase noting the numbers do not match up. Assistant Finance

Director Ian Stammel explained the General Government Budget was required to

follow GAP Accounting, so they include the deprecation. However, he stated because

the Water Operations and Sewer Operations were Enterprise Funds noting that their

Depreciation Expense Account was not budgeted, noting that it was hundreds of

thousands of dollars of infrastructure, however, he stated it was not cash dollars.

Mr. Stammel went on to explain that there was a $450,000 write off expense in Fiscal

Year 2022/2023 that had to do with assets that were listed on the Asset Spreadsheet,

noting that it was a non-cash item.

VOTE:

3- 0 Approved and so declared

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Tony Saccone

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tim Ryan

SECONDER:

Saccone, Buhle and Ryan

AYE:

MOTION to adopt a proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget in the amount of $71,062,240

comprised of:

General Government: $30,395,998_

Board of Education: $40,667,242 .

The Finance Committee discussed with Finance Director Matthew Bonin, Assistant

Finance Director Ian Stammel, Administrator of Human Resources Christine Dias,

and School Superintendent Jason Hartling discussed the proposed Fiscal Year

2025/2026 as follows:

· Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget Format

Councilor Ryan noted that he would like to see the following:

ü Board of Education Healthcare Expenses - Councilor Ryan stated that he agreed

with the Mayor Allyn’s proposal to move the Board of Education Employees

Healthcare Expenses to the Education side of the budget leger for the following

reasons:

(1) The Board of Education’s Employees Healthcare Expenses were part of the

School District’s operational costs.

(2) Transparency - Councilor Ryan stated for accurate accounting of operational costs

and for transparency Board of Education expenses should reside on the education

side of the budget ledger.

(3) Accountability - Councilor Ryan noted that the Board of Education should have

oversight of their operational expenses.

Councilor Saccone stated although he 100% agreed that the Board of Education

Employees Healthcare Expenses and the School Nurses Expenses should be recorded

on the education side of the budget ledger, that he did not agree with making the

move in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget. He explained that because the

School Nurses Contract was scheduled to end next year (fy 26/27) that he would

suggest they wait to the following year to move these expenses to the education side

of the budget ledger. He stated this would give the Board of Education and School

Superintendent Hartling 18 months to evaluate their needs, so they could plan

accordingly and for the Town Council and Board of Education to work together and

plan for the accounting change.

Councilor Buhle stated that she agreed with Councilor Saccone’s comments

regarding moving the Board of Education Employees Healthcare and School Nurses

back to the education side of the budget ledger; noting that two-weeks was not

enough time to make this type of decision.

Councilor Garcia-Irizarry stated that the Board of Education would be discussing a

draft Job Description “Manager of Employee Benefits” to hire an employee to

manage their Healthcare. She stated that this position would report to the Human

Resources Director.

Councilor Buhle addressed the role of the Board of Education Human Resources

Director noting the number of employees they had to manage, noting that the General

Government’s Administrator of Human Resources only had a few employees.

Finance Director Matthew Bonin explained other than moving where the Board of

Education Employees Healthcare dollars were recorded in the budget ledger, that

there would not be any other changes. He stated that the Board of Education was

already handling the health insurance for their employees. He stated that the General

Government just pays the invoices. He went on to explain that the Town uses a

Healthcare Consultant, who was not tied to the Healthcare provider; and that the

Healthcare Consultant was paid from the Plan.

Councilor Saccone noted that based on Mr. Bonin’s explanation of how the

Healthcare was currently being handled by both the Board of Education existing staff

and the General Government’s staff, that he did not understand School

Superintendent Mr. Hartling comments that moving the expenses and funds to the

education side of the budget ledger would incur additional costs for the Board of

Education.

Mr. Hartling stated by moving the Board of Education’s Employees Healthcare

Expenses to the Education side of the ledger that they could anticipate an increased

cost of about $100,000 to take on the fiduciary responsibility of the managing a $6

million program, because they do not have a staffing model to handle the work that

has been being managed by the General Government Staff for 24 years.

Mr. Hartling went on to state that the Board of Education would have to hire

Healthcare Consultants to adequately examine the Healthcare Plan to ensure that they

were acting in the most responsible way for both their employees and the Town of

Ledyard. He stated that there would also be the legal fees to renegotiate with their

labor contracts; and that it would require the addition of one Full-Time Staff person

in the Central Office. He noted that the Brown & Brown Employee Benefits

Consulting Team was a commission based Consultant.

Mr. Harting continued by stating that he would have to have a conversation with the

Mayor about what would happen for the General Government Employees Healthcare,

noting that there would be no obligation for the Board of Education to include the

General Government Employees.

Councilor Saccone stated that he would hope that the Board of Education would

work to try to save taxpayers money and that they would offer the General

Government the opportunity to participate in the same Healthcare Plan so that they

could also receive those same savings.

Mr. Hartling stated it was not as simple as the town government choosing to sign on

onto the Board of Education’s Healthcare. He stated in addition to the costs

associated with working with their collective bargaining units was their claim rating,

noting that it was more complex then it appeared to be. He stated the Board of

Education has been reaching out to Brown and Brown Healthcare Consultants to

understand some of those implications.

Mr. Hartling went on to state that the Board of Education has always acted in the best

interest when making big moves. He stated having a conversation as a collaborative

team would get much better results.

Councilor Ryan stated moving the Board of Education Employees Healthcare

expenses to the education side of the budget ledger was truly a shift on paper. He

suggested going forward that the Finance Committees of the Board of Education and

Town Council schedule regular joint meetings throughout the year to discuss these

types of issues. Councilor Buhle stated that she agreed with scheduling regular joint

meetings of the Finance Committees throughout the year to maintain a open

dialogue.

Councilor Buhle stated because they do not have control over the cost of healthcare

that it could increase by 15% in one year. Therefore, she stated that the Board of

Education’s total budget could significantly increase; and that they could lose site of

the students in working to manage those types of budgetary increases.

Councilor Buhle went on to question the reason Account #1010253-52102 (Benefits

Consultant) had been funded at $10,000 and that no funding was allocated in the

upcoming Fiscal Yar 2025/2026 Budget. Administrator of Human Resources

Christine Dias explained because Brown & Brown Employee Benefits Consultant

was being paid from another budget account that Account #1010253-52102 (Benefits

Consultant) had not been used; therefore, the account line was not funding for the

upcoming fiscal year budget.

ü Legal Fees

v MOTION to reduce Account #10110251-53610 (HR Legal Services) by $10,000 for

an adjusted budget amount of $40,000.

In addition, increase Account #10114301-5361(Land Use Legal Fees) by $10,000 for

an adjusted budget amount of $40,000.

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Councilor Buhle noted the significant size of the Applications the Land

Use Department would be addressing this year. Therefore, she suggested increasing

the Land Use Legal Fees Account by $10,000.

Councilor Buhle asked Administrator of Human Resources Christine Dias the reason

the Human Resources Legal Fees was being increased by $10,000 over the current

year’s (fy 24/25) budget allocation.

Administrator of Human Resources Christine Dias responded to Councilor Buhle’s

question by explaining that the town would be negotiating four labor contracts in the

coming year. She stated that each contract negotiation costs about $10,000; therefore,

she requested $50,000 in the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget to cover the

legal fees for the four labor contracts; and an additional $10,000 for other associated

expenses.

VOTE:

3- 0 Approved and so declared

RESULT: APPROVED 3 - 0

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

Jessica Buhle, Town Councilor

Tim Ryan, Town Councilor

Jessica Buhle, Tony Saccone, Tim Ryan

ü Separate the General Government and Board of Education Budgets - Councilor

Ryan stated by having separate budgets the taxpayers could see where their taxes

were going.

Councilor Buhle stated that she did not support separating budgets two budgets.

Superintendent Hartling stated that bifurcating the budget was not as simple as just

separating the General Government and Bord of Education’s budgets, and a

conversation around a table. He stated the Board of Education was required to report

their expenses to the State Board of Education.

ü Per Pupil Expenditure

Superintendent Hartling stated all their expenses including bonding costs and

“In-Kind” expenses that were paid from the General Government’s side of the budget

ledger were factored into their Per Pupil Expenditure. He stated every School District

has to report those numbers the same whether they were allocated on the town side of

the budget ledger or the education side of the budget ledger.

It was noted that some Connecticut towns allocate huge percentages of the Police

Department to the School District. Therefore, it was town by town; noting that it was

not an apples-to-apples comparison based on the services.

Councilor Buhle stated recording the Board of Education Employee Healthcare

Expenses on the education side of the budget ledger would account for a big portion

of their budget, noting that a substantial portion of the Board of Education’s budget

was already allocated for expenses that were not necessarily student-facing services

such as electricity and transportation. Therefore, she stated if they were increasing the

Board of Education’s Budget by 5.98%, that increase should be for student services.

She noted that the Green Box in the Board of Education’s proposed Fiscal Year

2025/2026 Budget included a lot of really great additions to programs.

ü Separate the Mil Rate for the General Government and Board of Education.

Councilor Ryan stated in addition to having separate budgets that he believed that

having separate mil rates would provide transparency to the taxpayers on where their

money was being spent.

ü Budget Advisory Questions - Councilor Ryan stated that he was pleased to see that

Budget Advisory Questions would be included on the ballot, noting that it would help

to understand the taxpayers position on the budget.

ü Department Head Salary Increases - Councilor Bule addressed the select

Department Heads that received increases, noting that she was interested in seeing

the Salary Study the Mayor obtained.

Chairman Rodriguez noted the following Department Head increases, and she

questioned what the increases were based on noting the current economy, residents

were being laid off, and some that some were on a fixed income. She stated that

many residents thought that double digit the increases were excessive:

· Finance Director - an increase of $21,541 or 19.3%.

Chairman Rodriguez suggested the Finance Director’s Salary be decreased from

$133,000 to $130,000.

Councilor Ryan stated the Town had a quality employee who is a CPA and

worked as a Municipal Auditor. He stated that the Market Rate for a Finance

Director was comparable to the proposed salary or higher. Therefore, he stated

that they need to be realistic. He also noted that the Board of Education’s

Finance Director’s salary was $22,000 higher. He stated although the Board of

Education had a larger budget that all of the budget management for the entire

town (General Government & Board of Education) comes back to the Finance

Director.

· Town Clerk - an increase of $10,322 or 15.4%.

Chairman Rodriguez suggested the Town Clerk’s 15% salary increase be reduced

to an 8% increase.

Councilor Buhle stated although a 15% salary increase was a lot that it was not

negligible. In addition, the Town Clerk had to have specialized knowledge for the

position.

· Administrator of Human Resources - an increase of $5,510; or 5.6% -

Administrator of Human Resources Christine Dias stated in her case that some of

the salary increase was related to a change in staff filling the position. She stated

because she came into the salary mid-year that the 5.6% reflected the salary she

came in at; and a 3% increase for this year. She noted that she believed the same

was true for the Land Use Director (noted below).

· Town Planner/Land Use Director - an increase of $10,010 or10.2%

Administrator of Human Resources Christine Dias explained the Salary Study was

conducted in 2023; and it was based on municipalities that were similar in size

(population and budget) to Ledyard;. She stated the Department Head salaries that

were increased in the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget were below Market

Value.

Chairman Rodriguez stated that salary increases of 19.3%; 15.5%; and 10.2% does

not look good to the taxpayers.

Councilor Ryan stated that Salary Market Rate Adjustments also happen outside of

the municipal environment, noting that they happen in private business for one reason

or another, including attrition. Therefore, he stated if the town wanted to retain, or

attract qualified people that were experienced and could bring what they need to

Ledyard that they needed to periodically adjust salaries to the Market Rates. He stated

because salary increases for their Department Heads have been put off for a number

of years that trying to catch up to Market Rate was painful. However, he stated what

he was concerned about was losing Qualified, Experienced Individuals.

Councilor Buhle stated she agreed with Chairman Rodriguez’s concerns about the

optics of the salary increases, noting from a taxpayer perspective that when they look

at their tax bill and see an increase, that it was easy to pinpoint 10% increases in the

budget. She stated that these salary increases were not contractual, and although she

was not suggesting they reduce the salary increases that she was questioning whether

this was the year to increase these salaries; or whether they could use a staggered

approach

Assistant Finance Director Ian Stammel noted that it has been nearly 10-years since

the town tried to bring the Department Head Salaries in-line with area towns.

Councilor Ryan stated we ask a lot of our town employees, noting that last time the

town conducted a Salary Study and looked to bring their Department Heads’ salaries

in-line with the Market Rate was nearly ten years ago. He stated that residents were

going to see the salary percentage increases; however, he stated the amount of the

total salary increases they were talking about far less than the $2.3 million increase

for the Board of Education’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget. He stated what

Chairman Rodriguez and Councilor Buhle were talking about was optics.

Councilor Saccone and Councilor Ryan stated that they did not agree with changing

the Department Head Salary increases as proposed in the Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Budget.

Councilor Buhle stated that Councilor Ryan was right with regard to the town being

behind the curve for a long time in providing adequate compensation for employees.

She noted that Ledyard has been fortunate to retain their employees. Therefore she

stated that she was not in favor of adjusting Department Head Salaries.

Councilor Buhle stated that the Parks, Recreation, & Senior Citizen Director at

$86,642 received the lowest salary increase of the Department Heads, noting that he

has taken on the additional role of the Senior Citizens Director when the two

Commissions were combined.

v MOTION to increase the Parks, Recreation, & Senior Citizens Director’s Salary to

$87,484 for 4% increase over the current fiscal year (fy 24/25).

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Saccone

Discussion: Assistant Finance Director Ian Stammel stated when the two

Commissions were combined in 2019 that the salary was increased rom $66,786 to

$73,350 to compensate for the additional responsibilities of the combined position.

He also noted at that time Nursing Director Karen Goetchius took on the role of

Municipal Agent for the Senior Citizens.

Administrator of Human Resources Christine Dias stated in reviewing the Salary

Study that the $86,642 was comparable to other Parks & Recreation Directors, which

was the reason this position received the 3% increase that all other employees

received.

Councilor Buhle questioned whether the comparable Parks & Recreation Directors

were also serving as the Senior Citizens Director. Ms. Dias stated in doing a quick

review it does not look like the comparable Parks & Recreation Directors were also

the Senior Citizens Director.

VOTE:

3- 0 Approved and so declared

RESULT: APPROVED 3 - 0

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

Jessica Buhle, Town Councilor

Tony Saccone, Town Councilor

Jessica Buhle, Tony Saccone, Tim Ryan

ü MIS Department:

v MOITON to reduce Account #10112151-53690 (Software Support/Maintenance) by

$7,675 for an adjusted budget of $86,511.

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Ryan

Discussion: Councilor Buhle stated during the March 10, 2025 Budget Work Session

that MIS Director Justin Dube stated that additional funding was included in the

Software Support/Maintenance Account because the Library was considering

discontinuing their subscription to LION (Libraries Online Consortium); and that

additional funding would be needed to provide support to the Library. However, she

stated for next year (fy 25/26) that the Library would be continuing with LION,

therefore, she stated the additional $7,675s would not be needed. She stated that the

Library would need to provide a one-year advanced notice to LION to discontinue

their subscription.

VOTE:

3- 0 Approved and so declared

RESULT: APPROVED 3 - 0

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

Jessica Buhle, Town Councilor

Tim Ryan, Town Councilor

Jessica Buhle, Tony Saccone, Tim Ryan

ü Parks & Recreation:

Finance Director Matthew Bonin noted that $161,460 was budgeted for Account

$10160101-53700 (Contract/Maintenance/ Leases). However, he stated although the

town received the required three bids that the low bid came in at $243,250.

Councilor Saccone suggested the town rebid the contract for maintenance of the

fields.

Councilor Buhle noted that $243,250 was a 39% increase in costs over the current

year to maintain the fields. Mr. Bonin explained that the contract was for three years,

noting that the current cost of $161,460 was actually submitted about four years ago.

Chairman Rodriguez questioned what would happen if they increased the budget for

next year to $225,000 and the new bids came lower. Mr. Bonin stated any additional

funding would remain in the General Fund.

v MOTION to increase Account $10160101-53700 (Contract/Maintenance/ Leases) by

$38,540 adjusting the budget to $200,000.

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Saccone

Discussion: See above.

VOTE:

3- 0 Approved and so declared

RESULT: APPROVED 3 - 0

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

Tim Ryan, Town Councilor

Tony Saccone, Town Councilor

Jessica Buhle, Tony Saccone, Tim Ryan

ü Capital Improvement Plan:

The Group discussed the following:

· Fire Apparatus Replacement Schedule - showed the Capital Account running a

deficit by 2031. However, the Finance Committee agreed not increase the

appropriation to the Fire Apparatus Replacement Capital Account in the upcoming

Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget, noting the overall budget increase.

· Master Plan - Needs Assessment- $125.000 - Councilor Buhle questioned what if

they do not spend the full amount for the Master Plan Needs Assessment. Finance

Director Matthew Bonin stated that the funding would remain in the Parks &

Recreation Capital Account that was funded by the Conveyance Fees.

· Fire Alarm System Replacement $275,000 - High School - Councilor Buhle

questioned cost to replace the Fire Alarm System, noting that Mayor reduced the

$350,000 that Board of Education requested to $275,000. Superintendent Hartling

stated that he would look into the cost to replace the High School Fire Alarm System

and provide the information Councilor Buhle requested.

· School Security - Bullet Resistance Film - Bullet resistant film would be applied to

the windows of all entry doors.

ü High School:

$15,000

ü Juliet W. Long School: $ 5,000

ü Gales Ferry School: $ 9,000

ü Central Office:

$ 3,000

$32,000

Total:

Enclosed Bird Nesting Locations - $15,000 - Superintendent Hartling stated that

birds were nesting in three areas above entry doors at the High School. This creates

a large amount of droppings on the sidewalk under these areas, and the need to

continuously clean. It was also a health issue to anyone using these entrances. Solid

panels will be installed to cover the existing decorative cement block to prevent

birds nesting.

· Juliet W. Long Classrooms - $135, 000 - Superintendent Hartling stated that work

would begin in 2026 to bring the Juliet W. Long School up to the standards that more

closely match the needs of today's learning environment.(Four Year Funding Plan: 2026:

$135,000; 2027: 135,000; 2028: 135,000 - Total Request: $405,000)

· High School Scoreboard - $55,000 - Replace Scoreboard at Multi-Sports Field. The

new turf field was a multi-sports field which included: football, soccer and lacrosse. The

existing scoreboard was set up for football only. There was a possibility that with the

installation of the new Multi-Sport Scoreboard that the Vendor would move the existing

scoreboard to Crandall field at no cost.

· High School Baseball Field - $45,000- The current playing surface is unlevel

creating bumps and holes where the ball can jump off the ground. These unexpected

movements of the ball are dangerous and can create injury. These funds will be used

to re-grade the field to eliminate the bumps and realign the bases. Also the field

irrigation will be looked at.

· Gallup Hill School Driveway - $30,000 - Since construction there is an area across

from the dumpsters that groundwater has been coming up along the curb. This

creates a hazard during the winter with constant ice forming between the curb and

across the driveway to the dumpsters. The pavement was cracking and needed

attention. This funding would install a dry well type structure and pipe to flow over

to the storm drain manhole. Funds will also be used to repair the damaged asphalt.

v MOTION to remove the following from the Capital Plan for Fiscal Yar 2025/2026:

$55,000 - High School Scoreboard

$45,000 - High School Baseball Field

$30,000 - Gallup Hill School Driveway

$130,000 Total Reduction

Moved by Councilor Ryan, seconded by Councilor Buhle

VOTE:

3- 0 Approved and so declared

RESULT: APPROVED 3 - 0

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

Tim Ryan, Town Councilor

Jessica Buhle, Town Councilor

Jessica Buhle, Tony Saccone, Tim Ryan

Computer Equipment; Technology & Server Upgrade

- $71,500

- Councilor Buhle

questioned whether MIS Director Justin Dube planned to use this money in the

coming year. Finance Director Matthew Bonin explain that in Fiscal Year 2012-2013

the Computer & Server Replacement Sinking Fund was established for the entire

Town

Government Organization. He stated that this account has been underfunded in the

past. He noted that this Capital Account provided funding to meet the yearly PC

replacement schedule. He stated if the Server or the computers go down they cannot

operate at Town Hall.

v MOTION to move the Board of Education Healthcare in the total amount of

$6,594,790 back into the General Government side for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 as

follows: $6,069,790 for Board of Education Active Employees and $525,000for

Board of Education Retirees.

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Saccone

Discussion: Councilor Saccone stated although he agreed with recording the Board of

Education Employees Healthcare Expenses and School Nurses on the education side

of the budget ledger that he did not agree with making the move in the upcoming

Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget. He suggested they wait to the following year (fy

26/27) to move these expenses to the education side of the budget ledger, noting that

it would give the Board of Education and School Superintendent Hartling 18 months

to evaluate their needs, so they could plan accordingly.

Councilor Ryan stated by recording the Board of Education Employees Healthcare

Expenses on the General Government side of the budget ledger that they were not

accurately accounting for the School District’s operational cost; and it was not

transparent for residents to understand where their tax dollars were being spent. He

stated that it made sense for these expenses to be recorded in the budget that they

were supporting. He went on to state that they may not be in these positions when the

Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget is prepared.

Councilor Buhle stated that she agreed that the Board of Education Employees

Healthcare Expenses should be reflected on the education side of the budget ledger.

However, she stated that two-weeks was not enough time to have the conversations

needed to implement such a change. She stated that moving the Board of Education

Employees Healthcare Expenses back to the education side of the budget ledger

should be discussed in advance of preparing the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget.

Councilor Ryan stated that this was simply a pass through of funds and he noted that

the three of them may not be in these positions when the Fiscal Year 2026/2027

Budget is prepared. He addressed the importance for the Finance Committees of the

Town Council and Board of Education to have regularly scheduled joint meetings

throughout the year to discuss these types of issues.

VOTE:

3- 0 Approved and so declared

RESULT: APPROVED 3 - 0

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

Jessica Buhle, Town Councilor

Tony Saccone, Town Councilor

Jessica Buhle, Tony Saccone, Tim Ryan

· Board of Education Fiscal Year 2025/2026 $40,667,242

Councilor Ryan noted in Board of Education Chairman Favry’s Budget Letter dated

February 24, 2025 he stated that 70.2% of the proposed education budget increase

was tied to maintaining required services and fulfilling contractual agreements. He

stated just for conversation purposes that of the Board of Education’s proposed $2.3

million increase that $1.7 million was for maintaining the required services, and

fulfilling contractual agreements. Therefore, he stated that it would mean about

$669,000 of the budget was in play for programmatic improvements, and for various

things that will improve the schools and student-facing services. He stated that he

was not saying that they should get rid of that funding, however, he stated to maintain

the schools that $1.7 million was untouchable.

Councilor Buhle questioned whether Councilor Ryan was suggesting they eliminate

the $668,939 additions that were listed in the Green Box in the Board of Education’s

proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget (see page 7 above) , noting that it included a

lot of really great additions to programs.

Councilor Ryan stated because the Town Council cannot tell the Board of Education

which accounts or items they should reduce or eliminate, that they would not know

whether a proposed decrease would negatively impact those the items in the Green

Box (see page 7 above). Therefore, he stated that Councilor Buhle was making his

argument for the reason to have two separate budgets (Town Budget and Board of

Education Budget). He stated that he agreed that some of these programs and facility

improvements were important; which was why he would have liked to have seen a

more detailed breakdown of the Board of Education’s expenses. However, he stated

that the Town Council does not have a choice.

Councilor Ryan continued by stating that if the Town Council chooses to reduce the

Board of Education budget for example by $667,000; or $300,000 that perhaps most

of the items in the Green Box (see page 7 above) would go away and perhaps some

things would stay, and perhaps they may find some other efficiencies.

Superintendent Hartling stated that Ledyard’s School District was on a shoestring;

and to Councilor Buhle’s point, that most school districts in the State of Connecticut

has the things the Board of Education has proposed in the Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Budget; and were programs the 2,400 children in the Ledyard School District deserve

to have access to.

Councilor Ryan stated that Ledyard had great schools, the staff does an great job; and

that he agreed with the many programs they wanted to enhance. However, he stated

that it was tough to balance these costs with continuing to place huge increases on

their taxpayers, because if they do that they were going to end up not having

taxpayers.

Councilor Ryan went on to state although they have managed to keep the tax increase

fairly reasonable over the past few years, that Ledyard already had one of the highest

mil rates in this region, with the exception of Norwich.

Councilor Buhle stated if we do not fund our schools at a point that keeps up with

neighboring municipalities, that Ledyard would become a less desirable community

to live in. She stated that people would perhaps to choose to live in Stonington,

where they fund their schools, and they have STEM Programs, and they have enough

parents for their special education program, and they have everything that they need.

She stated that Ledyard is not overspending, noting that we do not have a Spending

Problem, we have a Grand List Problem.

Councilor Ryan stated that they could deliberate all night, stating that he was not

in-favor of a 6% budget increase and that everyone needed to be challenged. He

stated the General Government has been challenged; and that the Board of Education

should also be challenged because 6% budget increases were not sustainable.

· Grand List

The Finance Committee agreed that because Ledyard does not have much of a

commercial and industrial tax base, that their homeowners were left with paying

higher taxes than homeowners in neighboring communities.

· Property Revaluation- 2025

Councilor Ryan stated that currently a Revaluation was underway, however, he stated

that the updated property values would not make a difference in the Grand List until

the Fiscal Year 2026/2027. He stated that the Grand List being used for the Fiscal

Year 2025/2026 was based on the assessed value of property from the 2020

Revaluation. Therefore, he stated that most of the assessments that make up the

current Grand List do not reflect values that were anywhere close what their homes

were actually valued today, noting that the assessed value on the average home in

Ledyard was probably close to $210,000. Therefore, he stated when the 2025

Revaluation becomes effective, that ideally property values would go up and the mill

rate would drop.

Assistant Finance Director Ian Stammel addressed the 2025 Revaluation, and he

noted that residents would not see a decrease in their taxes because the 70% assessed

value would remain the same (70%), noting that it would just be a different abstract

value. He stated a 5% budget increase would still be a 5% change for the homeowner.

The Finance Committee questioned with the adjustments made this evening what the

proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget was.

Finance Director Matthew Bonin noted the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget

was in the amount of $71,062.246. Comprised of a General Government Budget of

$30,394,998; and Board of Education Budget of $40,667,242.

Assistant Finance Director Ian Stammel stated the budget would require a 37.97 Mil

Rate, which was an increase of 2.76 mils.

v MOTION to recommend the Town Council adopt a proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026

Budget in the amount of $71,062,240 comprised of:

General Government: $30,394,998_

· Board of Education: $_40,667,242_

Moved by Councilor Buhle, seconded by Councilor Saccone

Discussion: Councilor Ryan stated that he would be voting “No” because he would

like to see the Boad of Education’s increase be lower.

It was noted that this budget approval was to present a proposed Fiscal Year

2025/2026 Budget at the April 21, 2025 Public Hearing to obtain comments and

recommendations from residents. The Town Council would have the opportunity to

make additi

RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL

Jessica Buhle

RESULT:

MOVER:

Tony Saccone

SECONDER:

Saccone and Buhle

Ryan

AYE:

NAY:

ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Ryan moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Councilor Buhle

VOTE:

3 - 0 Approved and so declared, the meeting was adjourned at 7:41 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Anthony Saccone, Sr.

Committee Chairman

Finance

Committee

This was Recommended for Approval.to the Town Council due back on 4/9/2025

Tim Ryan

MOVER:

Jessica Buhle

SECONDER:

DISCLAIMER: Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the

Town.