741 Colonel Ledyard Highway

Ledyard, Connecticut 06339

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Finance Committee

Meeting Minutes

Chairman S. Naomi

Rodriguez

Budget Work Session Fiscal Year 2024/2025

Thursday, March 7, 2024

12:00 PM

Town Hall Annex Building - Hybrid

Format

FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025

~ WORK SESSION AGENDA ~

In -Person: Council Chambers, Town Hall Annex Building

Remote Participation Information Noted Below:

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CALL TO ORDER

The Work Session was called to order by Councilor Saccone at 12:00 p.m.

Councilor Saccone welcomed all to the Video Conference Meeting; and he noted that

the remote meeting information for the Town Council Finance Committee Budget

Work Session and members of the Public to participate in this afternoon’s meeting

was available on the Agenda that was posted on the Town’s Website -

Granicus-Legistar Meeting Portal.

II.

ROLL CALL

Tim RyanTown Councilor

Tony SacconeTown Councilor

S. Naomi Rodriguez Town Council Chairman

Carmen Garcia-IrizarryTown Councilor

Gary PauTl own Councilor

Fred Allyn IIIMayor

Matthew Bonin Finance Director

Ian Stammel Assistant Finance Director

Kristen Chapman Mayor’s Executive Assistant

Karen Goetchius Director of Social Services

Marisa Ianella-Rodrigeuz Director of Human Resources

Tony Capon Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman

John Vincent Economic Development Commission Chairman

Steve MasalinPublic Works Director/Town Engineer

Scott Johnson, Jr Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Director

Joanne KelleyBOE Finance Committee Chairman

Roxanne Maher Administrative Assistant

III.

PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

DEPARTMENTS’ PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET

(Please Note: Scheduled times are tentative – The Finance Committee intends to adhere to the

schedule as noted below)

12:00 p.m. Mayor Fred Allyn, III

Mayor Allyn stated in accordance with Chapter VII; Section 3 of the Town Charter

he submitted his proposed Fiscal Year 2024/2025 to the Town Council on Monday,

March 4, 2024 (first Monday in March) in the amount of $67,082,148 which was an

increase of $2,537,008 or 3.94% over the current year’s budget and would call for a

34.94 mil rate for a 0.38 mil increase.

Mayor Allyn noted the proposed Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget was comprised of a

General Government budget in the amount of $29,028,075 a $395,503 increase or

1.381% over the current Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget; and a Board of Education

budget in the amount of $38,054,073 an increase of $2,145,705 or 5.98% over the

current Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget.

Mayor Allyn stated he believed the proposed Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget was

manageable, noting that his overall concern continued to be affordability for the

residents of Ledyard. He noted that Ledyard had the fourth highest mil rate in New

London County, behind Norwich, New London and Sprague. He stated the projected

mil rate to support the proposed Budget as presented, would move Ledyard slightly

closer to the third highest mil rate in the County, which he believed was an indicator

of increased unaffordability. He also noted that the United Way 2023 "Alice Report"

showed Ledyard with having 29% of their residents below the Asset Limited Income

Constrained and Employed Threshold (ALICE). He stated facing tax increases, that

these vulnerable residents may have to make difficult decisions regarding heating,

electricity, food and even housing.

Mayor Allyn went on to address the budget format noting that the Committee to

Review the Budget Process Final Report dated October 31, 2022 recommended the

town move away from the Clear Gov software and return to using Excel

Spreadsheets. He noted by moving away from Clear Gov program provided a

savings of the $22,000 and would allow them to more fully utilize their Munis

Financial Software for budget preparation going forward, noting that they would be

still be able to provide graphs and charts for the public from the spreadsheets that

Munis provides.

Mayor Allyn proceeded by presenting an overview of proposed Budget as follows:

Proposed Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget Summary (General Government and Board

of Education)

Ø Fiscal Year 2024/2025 proposed budget combined total amount was

$67,082,2148 for a total budget increase in the amount of $2,537,008.

· General Government budget of $29,028,075 (increase of $395,503 or 1.38%)

· Board of Education budget of $38,054,073 (increase $2,145,705 or 5.98%)

Ø Revenues:

· The Grand List net total was $1,320,018,279; an increase of $56,396,133 or

4.46%.

· Taxes $43,846,477; an increase of 4.4% - Provides 68.2% of Ledyard’s

revenues.

· Intergovernmental $16,365,250; an increase of 0.4% - Provides 25% of

Ledyard’s revenues.

· Charges and Fees $2,552,674; provides about 4.8% of Ledyard’s

revenues.

· Investment Earnings $550,000; an increase of $250,000 - Provides 0.5% of

Ledyard’s revenues.

· Other Finance Sources $1,000,000; provides about 1.6% of Ledyard’s

revenues.

Mayor Allyn stated the Assessor’s Grand List for the 2023 Valuation of all Real and

Personal Property yielded a modest overall increase of 4.30%; comprised of the

following Real Estate increased by 0.75%; Personal Property increased 68.21%; and

Motor Vehicles which decreased by 4.07%. He explained that due to the State’s

mandated Motor Vehicle Tax Cap of 29.00 mils that Ledyard was being reimbursed

through a State Grant in the amount of $117,151 to make up the difference of 5.94

mil spread between our 34.94 mil rate and the State’s motor 29.00 vehicle tax cap. He

noted that the State Legislature passed a new motor vehicle taxation model that was

scheduled to commence in October 2024. He stated the new model would use the

vehicles Manufactures Suggested Retail Price (MSRP - Sticker Price) in year one,

followed by a 20% depreciation in year two, then a straight line 5% annual

depreciation schedule. Currently, all Connecticut Municipalities use the NADA book

value for motor vehicle valuations.

Mayor Allyn went on to state that Ledyard’s Grand List growth was still lagging, and

he noted the following comparisons to neighboring towns: Colchester with a

population 15,555 has a Grand List that was +25% higher; Stonington with a

population 18,347 had a Grand List that was +320 higher; Montville with a

population 18,385 had a Grand List that was +28% higher; East Lyme with a

population 18,693 had a Grand List that was +22% higher; and Waterford with a

population 19,603 had a Grand List that was +320% higher than Ledyard’s Grand

List. He also noted that each of these comparable towns had a mil rate that was 28.15

mils or less. He stated the stagnation of growth in Ledyard’s Grand List was their

Achilles Heel. He stated a larger Grand List would allow for a more even distribution

of the tax burden, because the taxes would be spread across Industrial, Commercial,

and Residential segments.

Mayor Allyn went on to state that Ledyard has continued to aggressively seek Grant

funding noting that the town was previously awarded Small Town Economic

Assistance Program Funding (STEAP); Department of Housing (DOH); Connecticut

Housing Finance Authority (CHFA0 for a combined award of $2.8 million noting

that much needed improvements and upgrades at the Kings Corner Manor Senior

Housing Facility were completed this year and included the replacement of windows,

outside doors and installing storm doors with energy star rated products; as well as

the installation of new split heat pump systems for improved and efficient heating

and air conditioning in each unit, the tubs were removed and replaced with roll-in

showers and grab bars, the toilets, sinks and flooring materials were all replaced

removing architectural barriers. Mayor Allyn also noted that the Town received CT

Trails Grant of $112,000; and the Local Transportation Capital Improvement

Program (LoTClP) Grant in the amount of $3,190,724 to construct a Multi-Model

Pathway from Ledyard Center to Ledyard High School, the Libraries Transforming

Communities Round I & Round II for a total of $40,000 that was used to expand

programs for those with disabilities and for the replacement of the circulation desk

which would also be handicap accessible; as well as grants for emergency and

services. He stated the Town Staff understands the value in seeking these grants.

Mayor Allyn addressed education revenues noting the Education Grant Funding was

currently projected at $11,904,199 an slight increase $110,000 or 1.1% that there

continues to be issues regarding the methodology behind state funding for Special

Education (SPED). He stated that Ledyard needed to continue to press for SPED

funding so that funding would follow the student. He stated that if funding for special

needs students followed them when moving from one school district to another that it

would help mitigate mid-budget expenses that have a substantial impact on smaller

towns annual budgets.

· Mill Rate Stabilization Fund current balance: $3,430,279l; with $1,000,000

transfer-in scheduled to balance the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget, to date this

transfer-in has not yet occurred. The idea of the Mill Rate Stabilization Fund was

to smooth out or keep the mill rate somewhat stable, noting that State Revenues

to Municipalities can be unpredictable. The proposed Fiscal Year 2024/2025 also

calls for a $1,000,0000 transfer-in from the Mill Rate Stabilization Fund.

Proposed Budget General Government Budget Overview:

Mayor Allyn stated the General Government Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Expenses were

made up of the following:

ü Salary & Wages 12.%

ü Employee Benefits 14.5%

ü Operating Expenses 72.6%

Mayor Allyn noted the General Government continues tight management of their

expenses, seeking reductions where possible, noting that regionalizing efforts with

the Tax Assessor and Human Resources (to Preston) have been positive, He stated

that the town continues to work toward Department consolidations., noting they

recently consolidated of the Tax Assessor with the Tax Collector Office and the

Building Department was being combined with the Land Use Department. He stated

the continued restructuring of Parks and Recreation with the Senior Center continued

to gain efficiencies and increase programming for both seniors and Parks and

Recreation.

Mayor Allyn continued by stating the proposed Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget has

not funded the Youth Services Department which eliminated one Full-Time

Employee and the Department’s associated operating expenses. He explained that

Ledyard Public Schools now had a robust in-school health program, and with all of

the Youth Services clients being Ledyard Public School Students they found that

there would be a duplication of services. Therefore, it made sense to eliminate the

Youth Services Department at this time.

Mayor Allyn stated the General Government continues to seek additional regional

opportunities, but recognizes that there few new opportunities for new areas of

consolidation and savings, short of county form of Government. The Connecticut

taxation model was unsustainable and proves overly burdensome to taxpayers. Per

Forbes Magazine, Connecticut ranks the 9th most expensive state to live in.

· Debt Service - Mayor Allyn stated in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024/2025

Budget that the Debt Service at $3,955,030 saw a decrease in the amount of

$448,820 or 10% from the current year representing 3.02 mils in taxation. The

percentage of current debt to the tax levy was now at 8.47%. Debt Service has

been projected to remain constant for a number of years as school roofs and town

hall complex roofs have been included in the town’s bond obligations.

· Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget increases:

Mayor Allyn noted that 11 General Government Departments included increases that

were greater than 5%; with 29 Departments keeping their increases to less than 5%,

noting many were flat funded. He provided an overview of the Department requests

that were greater than 5% as follows:

Property Insurance $29,579; an increase of $517,196 or 5.7%

Insurance premiums has increased and the cost to add the cyber security policy

Human Resources Department $134,650; an increase of $42,700 or 46.4%

Moved Labor Attorney $40,000 to Human Resources Department.

Registrars $48,257; an increase of $4,317 or 9.8%

New Early Voting expenses for the 2024 November Presential Election.

Tax Collector $154,505; an increase of $9857 or 6.8%

Seasonal help for collection during peak months.

MIS Department $387,818; an increase of $39,583 or 111/4%

Software expenses included the addition of Land Use permitting, Zoom

subscription, Website, computer maintenance and repairs.

Ø Land Use Department $357,546; an increase of $39,993 or 12.6%

Building Official position, and interim assistant.

Ø Planning Commission $3,500; an increase of $500; or 16.7%

Increase in operating costs.

Ø Police Department $3007,655; an increase of $256,135 or 9.3%

Salaries, Outside assignments, and new equipment chest plates.

Ø Dispatch $669,249 an increase of $34,448 or 5.5%

Ø School Nurses $472,492; an increase of $140,016 or 42.1%

Mayor Allyn explained that the School Nurses reside on the General

Government side; and was a pass-through to the Board of Education. The

increase was for School Nurses salaries, increased hours from 35 to 40;

summer work and the increased use of Health Aides. Administrator of Nursing

hours reduced to 19 hours.

Ø Public Works Road Upkeep $184,800; an increase of $20,000 or 12.1%

Winter Operations sand and salt expenses.

· Employee Expenses

Mayor Allyn addressed General Government staffing levels, explaining that

most Departments located within the Town Hall were staffed with one or two

employees. The Police Department had 35 employees including the

Emergency Dispatch personnel, and the Animal Control Officer (ACO). The

Public Works Department had 18 full-time employees including the Public

Works Director.

Ø Mayor Allyn stated the General Government wages saw a 3% increase.

Ø Healthcare General Government $1,046,150 an increase $18,590 or 1.8%.

Mayor Allyn explained the town’s healthcare consultant recommended

factoring between a 6% to 10% premium cost increase. He stated that the

town would be considering moving their Healthcare provider again to try to

chase savings.

Healthcare Board of Education $5,193830; an increase of $93,830 or 1.8%.

Mayor Allyn stated the Board of Education Healthcare was included on the

General Government side of the ledger.

Defined Contribution Plan $455,000; an increase of $90,000 or 24.7% (Acct.

10110253-53210).

The Defined Contribution Plan was gaining steam with employee enrollment

to plan and save for retirement. The increase represented an increase in the

employer funding match, and also takes into consideration negotiated

contracts that require employee participation at some minimum level.

The Defined Benefit Plan closed to new enrollees in 2013. Mayor Allyn stated in

reviewing the Town's Retirement Plan, Ledyard's previous 100.4% funded

rate iØ Fiscal Year 2023/2024 has decreased as the result of weak market

conditions. Despite this decline, Ledyard still had nearly an 88.7 funded rate,

and was considered one of the ten best in the State of Connecticut. This was

positive news for our retirees as well as our taxpayers, explaining that it

showed that the town was managing its legacy costs. He stated the town

currently had twenty employees remaining in Ledyard’s Defined Benefit

Plan. He stated to provide some perspective, the State of Connecticut had $59

Billion of unfunded pension and retiree healthcare obligations outstanding,

while Ledyard has $3.8M outstanding and a conservative assumed rate of

return of 6.25%.

· Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

Mayor Allyn provided an overview of the Capital Improvement Plan stating that

it included Department’s requests totaling $8,748,864. He noted that he reduced

the Department’s CIP request by $873,000 for a proposed CIP in the amount of

$7,871,8643 which would require a tax levy of $1,761,998; an increase of

$108,263 or 6.5% over the current year’s budget.

Mayor Allyn stated the Town's Capital Plan included total project capital

requests of $19,750,000 which included Board of Education Bondable projects

and potential Grant funded projects. Of that total, $7,871,864 was included in

the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget, which included Grant funded projects such as

the Whitford Brook Bridge project and the Colonel Ledyard Highway Multi Use

Path.

· Reserve Funds - Mayor Allyn stated the proposed budget included tax-levied cash

set-asides for some facilities maintenance and for the acquisition of new fire

apparatus and other large-scale purchases, meaning that some maintenance and

future acquisitions of high value equipment would require some level of

borrowing. He stated that he began implementing this type of funding model in

the during the fiscal year (fy 20/21). He stated the modification was to provide for

the many competing demands for the town’s limited municipal resources,

including annual road restorations, equipment, vehicles, facility needs, etc.

Mayor Allyn provided an overview of the Capital Improvement Plan Funding

Sources as follows:

Taxes

LoCIP

(22.23%)

(2.24%)

(3.65%)

(5.36%)

(2.27%)

(2.67%)

(61.58%)

$1,761,998

$ 175,367

$ 295,778

$ 421,085

$ 178,892

$ 217,387

$4,825,357

Town Aid Road (TAR)

Municipal Aid Grant

Conveyance

BOE Surplus Transfer

Transfer in from Other Fund

TOTAL

$7,871,864

Mayor Allyn noted the CIP included the following:

· Critical Needs

o Planned technology replacements

o Roads Improvements/Restoration

o Vehicles and equipment and life safety equipment.

ü Replacement of two Police Cruisers

ü Emergency Service Apparatus

· Road Restoration - The Town Road Surface Rating (RSR) issued by Consultant,

BETA Engineering, sees that Ledyard’s RSR has remained consistent at 86.50

(on a 100-point scale) which wase the best road ratings Ledyard has seen. Per the

RSR Plan, Ledyard needed to invest $1 million annually to road restoration to

maintain a RSR between 83-85. Mayor Allyn explained that the proposed Fiscal

Year 2024/2025 Budget funds road restoration at $1,000,000 - funding at one of

the higher levels seen in the last 5+ years. He stated determining Ledyard's

comfort level in a road rating range was important, with the underlying premise

that 90 -100 was neither feasible, nor financially practical. He stated in consulting

with Public Works Director Steve Masalin, that the recommendation was to

continue the current trajectory, with an annual rating of 83 or better, which they

believed would represent an ideal rating for the Town of Ledyard. According to

BETA Engineering, Ledyard boasts one of the best road ratings in the area. This

budget funds Road Restoration at $1,000,000 with $225,695 coming from local

tax dollars.

· Police Cruiser Replacement - The plan also recommended the replacement of two

police cruisers. Mayor Allyn explained an internal Policy that was implemented

serval years ago would keep the cruisers on the road with milage up-to and

including 160,000 (previously disposed of cruisers at or near 100,000 miles). The

total cost to acquire and outfit each new cruiser was approximately $52,000.

· Board of Education Capital Improvement Projects came in at $8,748,864

include:

o New playscape at Juliet W. Long

o Continued renovations to Ledyard High School classrooms; including the

Science Labs

o Recommissioning of both Ledyard Middle School and Gallup Hill School.

· Mil Rate

Mayor Allyn stated the proposed Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget assumes a 34.94 mil

rate which was a 0.38 mil increase over the current year. He stated the Budget as

proposed, required the use of multiple financial tools to assist in offsetting increased

costs, including the Mill Rate Stabilization Fund ($1,000,000). He went on to note

that he has not proposed any transfer-in from the Health Care Reserve Account,

which currently stands at $240,000; explaining that this balance would serve as a

partial failsafe should the Town need to consider moving to the self-funded model.

He continued to explain in considering this potential move, that the proposed budget

included a $500,000 reduction in the Healthcare premiums as they were working to

price out alternatives to their current Healthcare provider, as increases in the past

several years have been dramatic.

Mayor Allyn concluded his presentation by noting the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 would

be the second year of the State’s biennial budget. He stated preliminary reports

indicate that State Funding to Ledyard would remain generally flat, which in-effect

was a 3% reduction given the inflationary environment. He commented that level

funding does not help municipalities bear the brunt of inflationary costs impacting the

operational costs (+20% increase in heating fuel; +40% increase in electricity;

increases in gasoline) needed to provide services to its residents. He stated that he

would continue to follow the many pieces of the proposed legislation and how it

might impact our town positively or negatively especially in the form of unfunded

mandates such as the Early Voting. He explained to support the Early Voting

Legislation that it would require fourteen days of staffing for early voting for two

primaries and a General Election, which included weekends, noting that this would

undoubtedly come as a cost to the taxpayers of Ledyard. He stated as the budget

process moves forward, that he would closely monitor this mandate and its true cost

versus benefit.

Mayor Allyn stated as he has been doing each year that he would continue to ask the

question "What is the role of local government?" He stated in doing so, that he would

continue to refine what they truly must provide as a local government to help

mitigate the burden on our residents.

Mayor Allyn deferred to Town Staff to review their budget proposals.

12:15 p.m. Director Karen Goetchuis, Youth and Social Services Coordinator

Department 10130301- Social Services

Ms. Goetchuis stated a budget was not submitted for the Youth Services Department

in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget noting the operational costs along

the responsibly to provide oversight of the Youth Services Interims. She explained

with the changes to the school’s health programs that Ledyard Public Schools now

had an all-inclusive school health program which provided access to Social Workers,

who would provide counseling services. She explained with all of the Youth

Service’s clients being Ledyard Public School Students, it made sense to eliminate

the Youth Services Department from the General Government budget at this time.

Department 10130301- Social Services

Social Services Coordinator Kristen Chapman explained that a budget was not

submitted for the Social Services Department in the upcoming Fiscal Year

2024/2025 Budget. She stated in years past $3,500 was included in the Social

Services Budget to pay for the electricity at the Linda C. Davis Food Pantry.

However, she stated because the Food Pantry resided on Town Green, which was

under the Parks & Recreation Administrative Control, that it made sense to move the

funds to pay for the electricity to the Parks & Recreation Department to streamline

the payment process, noting that they had been transferring the funds from the Social

Services Department Budget to the Parks & Recreation Department to pay the

electric bills.

Department 10110201- Mayor’s Office

Mayor proposed $190,723; an increase of $1,523 or 0.8% over the Fiscal Year

2023/2024 budget.

Department 1011023 - Administrative Support

Mayor proposed $129,700; a decrease of $6,300, or -4.6 from the Fiscal Year

2023/2024 budget.

The Advertising/Legal Notices was reduced by $6,500. These expenses were moved

to the Human Resources Department and Land Use Departments. As the primary

users of these funds this would provide the Human Resources Director and Director

of Planning & Development oversight and to enable them to manage their expenses.

Department 10110205 - Legal Services (Town Attorney)

Mayor proposed $20,000; a decrease of $35,000 or -63% from the Fiscal Year

2023/2024 budget.

This decrease was due to moving the Legal Fees to the Human Resources Department

and Land Use Departments as primary uses of these funds. This would provide the

Human Resources Director and Director of Planning & Development oversight and

to enable them to manage their expenses.

Department 10110209 - Property Insurance (Liability Insurance) -

Mayor proposed $546,775; an increase of $29,579 or 5.7% over the Fiscal Year

2023/2024 budget.

Increases due to insurance premiums going up and the addition of cyber security

policy.

10110211 Health District - Mayor proposed $116,400; no change from the Fiscal

Year 2023/2024 budget.

10110207 Probate - Mayor proposed $10,000; decrease of $575 or -5.4% from

Fiscal Year 2023/2024 budget.

No Mayor’s Office Capital Improvement Requests Fiscal Year 2024/2025

12:30 Finance Department - Finance Director Matthew Bonin

Department 1011201 - Finance Office - Finance Director Matthew Bonin

Mayor proposed $505,449 an increase of $12503 or 2.5 over the Fiscal Year

2023/2024 budget.

No Finance Department Capital Improvement Requests Fiscal Year 2024/2025

Department 10112111 - Assessors Office - Finance Director Matthew Bonin

Mayor proposed $180,932; an increase of $7,913 or 4.6% over the Fiscal

Year 2023/2024 budget.

Ø Assessor Capital Improvement Plan Requests - Finance Director Matthew Bonin

Revaluation $30,000

Revaluation of real property was required by state statute to be conducted every five

years. The last revaluation was effective October 1, 2020. The next Revaluation was

due for October 1, 2025.

Total Assessor’s Office CIP Fiscal Year 2023/2024

$30,000

Department 101112131 - Tax Collector - Finance Director Matthew Bonin

Mayor proposed $154,505; an increase of $9,857 or 6.8% over the Fiscal Year

2023/2024 budget.

12:45 p.m. Administrator of Human Resources Marisa Iannella-Rodriguez

Department 10110251 Human Resources

Mayor proposed $134,650; an increase of $42,700 or 46.4% over the Fiscal Year

2023/2024 budget.

Increase included the addition of a New Legal Services Account in the amount of

$40,000, which was moved from the Mayor’s Legal Services Budget.

Employee Expenses Department 10110253 - Administrator of Human Resources

Marisa Iannella-Rodriguez

Mayor proposed $10,420; an increase of $266,422 or 2.6% over the Fiscal Year

2023/202 budget.

Ms. Iannella-Rodriguez explained this budget included the following expenses:

Healthcare for both the General Government and Board of Education, Pre-Employee

Testing, Retirement, Defined Contribution Payments, Social Security,

Unemployment Compensation, Workers Compensation for General Government and

Board of Education, and other Insurance Expenses.

Ms. Iannella-Rodriguez addressed the combined total increase of $1,519,093 in the

Healthcare Premium costs. The following Accounts were noted:

· Account #10110253-52000 (General Government Healthcare) $1,046,150; an

increase of $18,590; or 1.8% over the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 and

· Account 10110253-52100 (BOE Healthcare) $5,193,830; an increase of $93,830

or 1.8 % over the Fiscal Year 2023/2024

· Account 10110253-52106 (BOE Retiree Healthcare) $575,000; no change from

Fiscal Year 2023/2024.

Ms. Iannella-Rodriguez explained the town’s healthcare consultant recommended

factoring between a 6% to 10% premium cost increase. However, she stated the

proposed Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget included a conservative increase. She stated

that they were currently researching other Healthcare providers to find the best

Healthcare option for the town and its employees.

Defined Contribution Plan $455,000; an increase of $90,000 or 24.7% (Account

#10110253-53210). Ms. Iannella-Rodriguez stated this represented the funding

for · the employer’s match. She stated with the closing of the Defined Benefit

Plan in 2013 that negotiated contracts require employee participation at some

minimum level in the Defined Contribution Plan as employees plan and save for

retirement. Therefore, she stated that they would continue to see the Town’s

contribution increase going forward, noting that some employees were

contributing up to 10% of their salary.

Ø Human Resources Dept. No CIP Requests Fiscal Year 2024/2025

1:00 p.m. Land Use Departments - Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman Tony Capon

and Economic Development Commission Chairman John Vincent.

Ø Economic Development

Ø Building Department

Ø Planning & Zoning

Ø Inland Wetland & Water Courses

Land Use 10114301 (Includes: Land Use Director, Building Department, Zoning

Department)

Mayor proposed $357,546; an increase of $39,993 or 12.6% over the approved Fiscal

Year 2023/2024 Budget

Increase included the addition of a New Legal Services Account in the amount of

$10,000, which was moved from the Mayor’s Legal Services Budget.

Account Number

Mayor Proposed

Change from FY 23/24

10114303 53400 Planning Pro Serv $2,000

No Change

10114303 56100 Planning Oper $1,500

Increase of $500 or 50%

1:00 p.m. Economic Development Commission Chairman John Vincent

10114305 51600 EDC Oper.

25.0%

10114305 EDC Dues & Fees

$750

Decrease of $250 or -

No Change

$7,461

Ø Planning

No CIP Request Fiscal Year 2024/2025

1:00 p.m.

Land Use Commissions and Committees:

Mayor Allyn provided an overview as follows:

Account Number

Mayor Proposed

Change from FY 23/24

10114501 IWWC

10114507 ZBA

$500

No Change

$500

Ø Other Land Use Commissions:

Account Number

Mayor Proposed

Change from FY 23/24

10110107 Cemetery Cmt

10110213 Conservation Com

$2,000

$1,150

Decrease of $4,200 or -67.7%

No Change

10110213 57300 Conservation Equ $1,150

10110213-58789 Conservation Misc. $ 975

1:30 p.m. Public Works - Director Steve Masalin

Public Works Director Department -Administration 10140101 -

Mayor proposed $212,210; an increase of $8,959 or 42% over the Fiscal Year

2023/2024 budget.

Highway Department 10140103 -

Mayor proposed $1,249,527; an increase of $31,573 or 2.6% over the Fiscal Year

2023/2024 budget.

Vehicle Maintenance Department 10140105 -

Mayor proposed $287,051; an increase of $3,866 or 1.4% over the Fiscal Year

2023/2024 budget.

Road Upkeep Department; 10140107

Mayor proposed $184,800; an increase of $20,000 or 12.1% over the Fiscal Year

2023/2024 budget.

Gravel $3,000 and Drainage Improvement $3,000 were moved from “Road Drainage

Budget” to “Road Upkeep Budget”

Property Maintenance of Town Buildings Department 10140111 -

Mayor proposed $86,050 no change from Fiscal Year 2023/2024 budget.

This budget provides for critical building improvements

Sanitation Department 10140113 -

Mayor proposed $1,174,000; an increase of $43,500 or 3.8% over the Fiscal Year

2023/2024 budget.

1:45 p.m. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

Public Works Requests - Public Works Director Steve Masalin

Colonel Ledyard Highway Multi-Model-Use Pathway

$2,540,000

This project comprises a multi-use (pedestrian/cyclist) pathway from Ledyard Center

at the Bill Library to Ledyard High School at its access off Gallup Hill Road. This

project has been approved by Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments

(SCCCOG) through the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Plan (LoTCIP)

Program.

Heavy Equipment Reserve Fund

$85,

This account needed to be funded annually to meet long-term replacement needs in

accordance with the equipment replacement plan. Funds were appropriated at a rate

necessary to meet the anticipated future refitting and/or replacement.

Lantern Hill Road Bridge Replacement

$1,800,

The existing bridge over Whitford Brook at the Ledyard-Stonington Town Lines was

too narrow for normal traffic and was particularly unsafe in the event of a head-on

large vehicular traffic. Senator Cathy Osten worked to secure $3 million for the

bridge and dam replacement and repairs. The town has an executed Agreement with

the State to receive the $3 million grant funding. Mr. Masalin stated the hope was to

have the bridge replacement work completed this calendar year. However, there

would be some costs that would be shared by Ledyard and Stonington for this

project.

Large Truck Reserve Account

$175,

This account needed to be funded annually to meet long-term replacement needs of

the large dump truck fleet. Originally, funding was sought to meet a 15-year

replacement cycle for each of the trucks in the fleet.

Light Equipment Reserve Fund

$16,

This account funds long-term requirements in accordance with minor equipment

upgrade and replacement needs. This involved a large variety of light/small

equipment assets.

Small Truck Reserve Fund

$40,000

This account needed to be funded annually to meet long-term replacement needs in

accordance with the equipment replacement plan. A combination of internal

reassignments of assets and new purchases continue to be undertaken to efficiently

utilize the fleet.

Pooled Vehicle Reserve fund

$10,000

This account needs to be funded annually to meet long-term replacement needs in

accordance with the equipment replacement plan. The State of Connecticut has

privatized its sale of surplus vehicles and items, which has severely curtailed the

town’s ability to obtain lightly used vehicles at a low cost.

Municipal Building Reserve Fund

$100,000

This fund provides for ongoing capital level renovations and life-cycle maintenance

for the Town's non-BOE municipal buildings. Maintenance and renovations were

based on a combination of factors, including facility age, inconsistent capital

investment and normal maintenance needs.

Road Maintenance

$147,889

Road maintenance for routine repairs, etc., funding to come from Town Aid Road

(TAR) Grant funding

Road Restoration Fund

$1,115,000

Road restoration, reconstruction and resurfacing was programmed through a systemic

plan derived through a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the condition of

all Town roads. From 1988 to 2008, the source of funding for this program was

through bonding. Currently the town has a Road Surface Rating (RSR) 86.5 based on

a scale of 100, which was reasonable. To continue to maintain the roads at 83-85

which was a reasonable level $1,000,000 annually was required.

Sandy Hollow Road Guiderail Replacement

$335,857

The town has obtained a proposal in the amount of $335,857 to replace the guiderails

on the west side of the road with Oxidizing Weathering Steel Guiderails from Atlas

Industrial Services, who was on the State’s Contracts Bid List. The galvanized

guiderails would remain on east side of the road American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Funding in the amount of $300,000 would be used to primary fund the projects, with

the balance coming from other grant sources such as Town Aid Road (TAR) and

Local Capital Improvement Plan Funding (LoCIP).

In addition, some savings were realized for this project because Industrial Services

was willing to allow the Public Works Crew to work with them on removing the

existing guiderails; and for traffic control. In addition, the town could receive some

revenue ($1,500) for the sale of the old steel cable, these funds could either be

allocated to the

Total Public Works

CIP Fiscal Year 2024/2025

$6,364,746

Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens Capital Improvement Plan Requests -

Director Scott Johnson, Jr.

Storage Container

$6,

595

The Senior Citizens Facility is running out of space to store equipment. The purchase

of a storage container would allow them to store equipment that does not need to be

in a temperature controlled environment.

The storage cabinet would be paid for by the Parks & Recreation Capital Fund 0203.

This Capital Fund was funded by the allocation of 40% percentage of the

Conveyance Tax from the Real Estate Transactions, in accordance with Ordinance

#200-009 “An Ordinance Providing for the Transfer of Certain Revenue From the

Real Estate Conveyance Tax to Specific Town of Ledyard Funds”.

Pickleball Courts

$92,202

To be paid from the Parks & Recreation Capital Fund 0203. This Capital Fund was

funded by the allocation of 40% percentage of the Conveyance Tax from the Real

Estate Transactions, in accordance with Ordinance #200-009 “An Ordinance

Providing for the Transfer of Certain Revenue From the Real Estate Conveyance Tax

to Specific Town of Ledyard Funds”.

Automated Locks

$13,

052

Install automated locks at the Gales Ferry Community Center, Judge Crandall Field,

Blonders Park and the Parks & Recreation Storage located in the Board of Education

Building.

The automated locks would eliminate the need to make copies of keys, and allow

better control of who has access to the facilities.

The automated locks would be paid from the Parks & Recreation Capital Fund 0203.

This Capital Fund was funded by the allocation of 40% percentage of the

Conveyance Tax from the Real Estate Transactions, in accordance with Ordinance

#200-009 “An Ordinance Providing for the Transfer of Certain Revenue From the

Real Estate Conveyance Tax to Specific Town of Ledyard Funds”.

Judge Crandall Doors

$9,293

Replace the two-lower garage doors at he Jude Crandall Field House. The doors were

the original to the garage and parts for repairs were no longer available. The right

door has been getting stuck preventing it from opening or closing.

Colonel Ledyard Park Basketball Court

$12,750

Repair cracks and low spots on the basketball courts. Includes paint touch-up and

court cleaning.

To be paid from the Parks & Recreation Capital Fund 0203. This Capital Fund was

funded by the allocation of 40% percentage of the Conveyance Tax from the Real

Estate Transactions, in accordance with Ordinance #200-009 “An Ordinance

Providing for the Transfer of Certain Revenue From the Real Estate Conveyance Tax

to Specific Town of Ledyard Funds”.

Total Parks & Rec CIP

$133,892

Fiscal Year 2024/2025

2:00 p.m. Budget Work

2:15 p.m. Budget Work

During the work sessions the Finance Committee asked questions about line items in

each category on the agenda. The Committee also explained to each Department that

should there be any changes in State Revenues proposed by the Governor’s Budget,

that they may want to meet again with the Finance Committee to offer alternatives,

suggestions and recommendations as the Finance Committee works to put forwarded

a recommended Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget.

The Finance Committee also noted during their review of the information provided

by the Departments today that they were pleased to see that Department Heads

worked to off-set General Government contractual increases with reductions in other

expenses and to continue find efficiencies year after year.

ADJOURNMENT

The Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget Work Session adjourned at 2:28 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.