741 Colonel Ledyard Highway  
Ledyard, Connecticut 06339  
TOWN OF LEDYARD  
Finance Committee  
Meeting Minutes  
Chairman Gary St. Vil  
Budget Work Session FY 26 / 27 - Hybrid Format  
Monday, March 9, 2026  
2:00 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:  
https://ledyardct.zoom.us/j/89083352347?pwd=1n2fzcUI1mvE9rBTDtwoXFDxcpDmLn.1  
Or by Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 890 8335 2347; Passcode:  
775826  
I
CALL TO ORDER  
The Work Session was called to order by Committee Chairman Councilor Buhle at 2:00 p  
Councilor Buhle 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  
Jessica Buhle  
Present:  
Carmen Garcia-Irizarry  
Tim Ryan  
Gary St. Vil Town Council Chairman  
April BrunelleTown Councilor  
(Earl) Ty Lamb Town Councilor  
Fred Allyn III Mayor  
Matthew Bonin Finance Director  
Ian Stammel Assistant Finance Director  
Jim Mann Director of Emergency Mgt/Fire Marshall  
Steve Holyfield Administrator of Emergency Services  
Jon Mann Ledyard Center Fire Chief  
Jeff Erhart Gales Ferry Fire Chief  
John Rich Police Chief  
Kenneth Creutz Police Captain  
Paula Smith Chief of Dispatch  
Heather Haddon Animal Control Officer  
Ed Lynch Water Pollution Control Authority Chairman  
Mike Dremiller Economic Development Commission Member  
Jeff Ellinberger Resident  
Colleen Lauer Social Services Board  
Lee Ann BerryResident  
Roxanne Maher Administrative Assistant  
III.  
PRESENTATIONS  
Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Update  
DEPARTMENTS’ PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 BUDGET  
(Please Note: Scheduled times are tentative - The Finance Committee intends to adhere to  
the schedule as noted below)  
2:00 p.m. Fire Marshal Jim Mann  
2:00 p.m. Emergency Management Director Jim Mann  
2:00 p.m. Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield  
2:15 p.m. GFFD - Fire Chief  
2:15 p.m. LCFD - Fire Chief Jon Mann  
2:30 p.m. ACO - Heather Haddon  
2:30 p.m. Dispatch - Chief of Dispatch Paula Smith  
2:30 p.m. Police Department - Police Chief John Rich  
3:00 p.m. Water Pollution Control Authority Chairman Ed Lynch and Waste Water  
Supervisor Steve Banks  
3:15 p.m. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)  
4:00 p.m. Budget Work  
:00 p.m. Fire Marshall Jim Mann  
Department 10120301  
Mayor proposed $102,690; No change from the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 budget.  
Ø Fire Marshall  
No CIP Request Fiscal Year 2026/2027  
2:05 p.m. Emergency Management Director Jim Mann  
Department 10120401 Emergency Management  
Mayor proposed $20,450; no change from the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 budget.  
Ø Emergency Management No CIP Request Fiscal Year 2026/2027  
2:10 p.m. 10120401 Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield  
Department 10120401 Administrator of Emergency Services  
Mayor proposed $519,692; an increase of $ o$31,758r 6.5% over the Fiscal Year  
2024/2025 budget.  
Ø Admin Emergency Service Capital Requests  
Automated External Defibrillators  
$9,450  
The Town owns and maintains 38 Automatic External Defibrillators. These defibrillators  
are assigned to both of the fire companies, the police department, and the Ledyard  
Schools. Each school has at least one public-accessible unit. An increase of $275.00 over  
the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Budget.  
Fi re Apparatus Replacement  
$ 362,552  
The Fire Apparatus replacement fund was revised in Fiscal Year 2021/2022 and  
represented a preliminary estimate for the replacement of all fire apparatus in the fleet  
projected out through Fiscal Year 2039-2040. An increase of $21,753 over the Fiscal  
Year 2025/2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Budget.  
Total  
Admin Emer Serv CIP Fiscal Year 2026/2027  
$372,002  
2:15 p.m. Ledyard Center Fire Chief Jon Mann and Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyf  
Department 10120501 Ledyard Center Fire Department  
Mayor proposed $132,000; an increase of $2,500; or 1.9% over the approved Fiscal Year  
2025/2026 budget.  
Ø
Ledyard Center Fire Department CIP Requests  
Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment  
$15,000  
The CIP budget item continues with the necessary turnout gear replacement and  
procurement for existing and newly recruited firefighters. The Ledyard Fire Company  
has experienced a surge in membership due to aggressive recruiting this year.  
Fire Hose replacement $3,000  
The Ledyard Fire Company currently loses 2-5 foot lengths of hose per year due to the  
age of the hose during annual testing. This funding will allow the department to  
replenish the lost hose. Due to the cost of the hose it was not feasible to fund this  
expense through the operational budget.  
SCBA Replacement $12,000  
Recently the town of Ledyard received a grant for both fire companies' self-contained  
breathing apparatus (SCBA’s). The SCBA’s are a critical piece of safety equipment to  
allow firefighters to work inside hazardous environments.  
Thermal Imagining Camera $3,000  
The Ledyard Fire Company currently has two thermal imaging cameras which were  
over 10-years old and are starting to show their age. This funding would the Fire  
Department to purchase two new cameras. These cameras allow firefighters to view  
heat sources in a room or through a wall which aids in locating fires that can’t be  
seen. They also assist with searching for people whether in a fire or in the woods  
Portable Radios and Pagers  
$5,000  
The Town was recently awarded a grant for new radios for both fire companies. The  
grant was able to cover the initial set of radios to cover the fire companies to get  
started for each riding position. This capital request would allow the fire company to  
purchase additional radios to ensure each officer has one issued. Also their operations  
may require the incident commander to utilize two radios to ensure proper  
communications. Currently there was a chance that every interior firefighter may not  
have a radio, it is recommended for all members working interior to have a radio in  
case of an emergency, this will help stop that gap.  
This request will also cover pagers for the members. Pagers are a tool that alerts  
members when a call comes in and are vital to our operations to ensure all available  
members are alerted. The average cost for a pager is $700 so it would be extremely  
difficult to obtain them through the normal operational budget. Our current pagers will  
need to be replaced to utilize the new state frequencies we are operating on.  
R-13 New Engine Equipment $12,000  
The Ledyard Fire Company is getting ready to go to bid to replace one of our  
apparatus, it will take 3-4 year before they receive the new apparatus. While the Fire  
Department would be using most of the equipment they currently have, that because  
some of the equipment was old it needed to be replaced to ensure they have the  
proper working equipment on the apparatus. Additionally some of the items cannot  
be moved from the old apparatus due to its age and what is required to power them.  
This capital request would cover the necessary equipment needed to be replaced for  
the new apparatus. This project would take about 5-years to fund properly. Items  
included in the scope were battery powered extrication equipment, battery powered  
ventilation fan and small hand tools.  
Hurst Battery Tools $12,000  
The Ledyard Fire Company was continuing to work on a Fleet Reduction Plan. One  
tool needed to help achieve this goal was a Battery Hydraulic Ram. The current  
Hydraulic Ram was located on the Rescue Engine and was almost 25-years old. The  
Ram also required a gas powered hydraulic pump to use the Ram which also required  
firefighters to extend hoses to power the Ram. The new ram was a self-contained unit  
which would allow crews to utilize the Ram anywhere and not be confined to the  
length of the hoses. Engine R-11 has been being converted into their Rescue Engine  
to phase out the rescue, the other hydraulic tools have been replaced by battery power  
and are on the engine. The primary use of the Ram was another tool for extricating  
patients from vehicles after an accident.  
Total  
LCF CIP Fiscal Year 2026/2026  
$57,000  
2:30 p.m. Gales Ferry Fire Chief Jeff Erhart and Administrator of Emergency Services Steve Holyfield  
Department 10120551 GFFD - Gales Ferry Fire  
Mayor proposed $230,927; an increase of $4,833 or 2.13.2 over the Fiscal Year  
2025/2026 budget.  
Ø Gales Ferry Fire Company Capital Requests  
Firefighter Personal Protective Clothing (PPE)  
$16,000  
Required by OSHA, protective clothing must now be rotated out for interior firefighting  
every 10 years under the new National Standards. To save PPW costs the Gales Ferry  
Fire Department rotates out the 10-year old clothing to non-interior qualified firefighters.  
This funding was also used to purchase personal protective clothing for new firefighters.  
The 10-year life span was dictated by NFPA Department required by the State.  
Communications Equipment  
No funding was requested for Fiscal Year 2026/2027  
No Funding Requested  
$5,000 was requested for the five-year Projection (starting in Fiscal Year 2027/2028).  
Funding for the normal replacement of handheld radios. Radios are constantly changing  
for greater coverage and communication.  
Firefighting Equipment  
Requested  
No Funding  
Firefighting equipment must be cycled out on a regular basis. This funding would allow  
for the purchase of newer state of the art equipment to keep pace with news National  
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.  
Breathing Air Bottles  
No Funding  
Requested  
No funding was requested for Fiscal Year 2026/2027  
Funding has been requested for the five-year Projection (starting in Fiscal Year  
2027/2028 as follows: FY 28 - $5,000; FY 29-$6,000; FY 30-$6,000; FY 31- $7,500;  
FY32- $7,500)  
Per the Department of Transportation Firefighting breathing air bottles have a 15-year  
life “end of use”. The replacement of the bottles are within National Fire Protection  
Association (NPPA) standards and Department of Transportation Regulation. SCBA  
bottles were required to be hydrostatically (pressure) tested every five years and must be  
replaced when the bottles fail the service test or reaches 15-years old. The current SCBA  
bottles were placed in- service in bulk in 2017.  
As the end of life on this equipment approaches (FY2031/2032), the Fire Department  
would pursue grants again to possibly pay for a majority of this cost.  
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)  
Requested  
No funding was requested for Fiscal Year 2026/2027  
No Funding  
Funding has been requested for the five-year Projection (starting in Fiscal Year  
2027/2028 as follows: FY 28 - $15,000; FY 29-$15,000; FY 30-$6,000; FY 31- $18,000;  
FY32- $20,000; FY 33-$20,000).  
Funding for replacement of self-contained breathing apparatus which provides  
firefighters clean air to breath while operating in hazardous environments including  
fires, hazardous materials incidents, as smoke filled environments. These apparatus are  
required by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Fire  
Protection Association (NFPA) standards, which are updated to provide updated  
technology and safety standards. These units are required to be replaced at given  
intervals based on NFPA requirements.  
These are high-cost items that continue to rise in cost as technology and safety standards  
are advanced. Early saving for these costs prevents a large amount of funding needed to  
be obtained when these units reach their end of service life.  
Compressor, Breathing Air  
No Funding Requested  
The breathing air compressor produces certified, safe breathing air for firefighters as  
required by law. Their current compressor 20-years old and coming to the end of its  
useful life.  
No funding was requested for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.  
This capital project was fully funded in 2025 with a state grant received by Gales Ferry  
Fire Company directly. The Fire Department would hold off on funding this project for  
5-10 years (2030-2035).  
Jaws of Life Rescue Tools  
No Funding Requested  
Replacement for the out-of-date equipment (Jaws of Life) used in the rescue and  
extricating of victims involved in motor vehicle accidents and other hazardous scenarios.  
The Rescue Tool (aka “Jaws of Life”) tools are becoming outdated and obsolete given  
modern advances in over-the-road vehicle construction and technology. The automotive  
industry is constructing vehicles from higher strength steel throughout the industry.  
Additionally, much of the existing equipment is approaching the end of its life; parts  
may become scarce to repair existing units.  
$4,000 was requested for the five-year Projection (starting in Fiscal Year 2027/2028).  
Fire Station Generator Replacement  
Requested  
No Funding  
The Gales Ferry Fire Station’s emergency generator was used for powering the building  
during outages and for the apparatus/equipment emergency readiness. In addition, the  
Fire Station was used for a warming and cooling station for town residents during power  
outages and major storms, the generator was vital to keep the public safety  
infrastructure powered at all times.  
This capital project was fully funded in 2025 with a state grant received by Gales Ferry  
Fire Company directly. We will hold off on funding this project for a project 5-10 years  
(2030-2035).  
Station Exhaust Removal System Replacement  
No funding was requested for Fiscal Year 2026/2027  
No Funding Requested  
Request funding be transferred from two CIP2026 Projects (Station Emergency  
Generator and Breathing Air Compressor) that were funded fully by a grant. If permitted,  
$89,910.32 would be funded for this year. No additional amount would be requested for  
FY27.  
This system was originally installed in June of 2000. It has had repairs done in the past  
and currently has minor issues with activating when the fire apparatus start and return.  
This Project would remove and replace an existing exhaust removal system located at  
Gales Ferry Fire Company. This would fund removing all existing equipment that would  
not be able to be used as well as the installation and labor for a brand new system  
adapted to the current and future apparatus of the fire department.  
$4,000 was requested for the five-year Projection (starting in Fiscal Year 2027/2028).  
Funding for the normal replacement of handheld radios. Radios are constantly changing  
for greater coverage and communication.  
Fire Hose No Funding Requested  
This capital funding request will manage the costs associated with the systematic  
replacement of aging and failed fire hose; purchase of new hose compliant the National  
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards on fire hose. The fire hose was tested  
annually per the (NFPA).  
Total GFFD CIP  
Fiscal Year 2026/2027  
$16,000  
2:45 p.m.Animal Control Officer (ACO) Police Chief John Rich  
Department 10120105 ACO  
Mayor proposed $112,843; a increase of $10,535; or 10.3% over the Fiscal Year  
2025/2026 budget.  
Ø Animal Control Capital Improvement Plan Requests  
ACO Vehicle Reserve  
$2,000  
Reserve fund for planned replacement of ACO Vehicle. The ACO Vehicle was newly  
replaced in FY24.  
Total  
ACO CIP Fiscal Year 2025/2026  
$2,000  
3:00 p.m. Emergency Dispatch Center - Paula Smith and Police Chief John Rich  
Department 10120103 Emergency Dispatch Center  
Mayor proposed $711,165; a decrease of $2,735 or -0.4% from the Fiscal Year  
2025/2026 budget.  
The Group discussed the budget overrun of the Dispatch Salaries Account, noting that  
the turnover in staffing was a challenge.  
Ø No Dispatch CIP  
Fiscal Year 2026/2027 (See Police CIP)  
3:15 p.m. Police Chief John Rich and Captain Kenneth Creutz  
Department 10120101 Police Department  
Mayor proposed $3,311,243; an increase of $145,218 or 4.6% over the Fiscal Year  
2025/2026 budget.  
The Finance Committee and Chief Rich discussed: (1) Overtime costs; (2) Staffing; (3)  
Vehicle replacement schedule; and (4) New Officers coming in at lower salary step than  
the retiring officers; (4) DARE Program - Using the National Opioid Settlement Funding  
for the man-hours to administer the DARE Program in the Schools..  
Ø Police Department Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Requests  
CALEA Accreditation Reserve  
No Funding Requested  
Public Act 20-01 requires all CT police agencies to obtain CALEA accreditation by year  
2025. CALEA was the Commission on the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies  
Accreditation. The accreditation process involved a year long process.  
In 2025 Ledyard was randomly chosen out of the entire State of Connecticut as the first  
town to undergo the CALEA Accreditation and were Awarded the Tier 2 and the Tier 3  
Accreditation for meeting state-level benchmarks in training and operation.  
Police Psychological Exam Reserve  
$1,000  
Public Act 20-01 Requires all law enforcement officers to have a psychological  
evaluation at least once every 5 years.  
Flock Safety Cameras  
$12,00  
Flock Safety cameras are automated license plate recognition (ALPR) systems that  
provide real-time alerts to law enforcement when a vehicle of interest, like a stolen car or  
one associated with a wanted person, is detected, aiming to assist in crime prevention and  
investigation.  
Police Vehicles $46,360  
Planned Replacement of Police Vehicles. The department proposed the replacement of  
one patrol vehicles in Fiscal 2025/2026 based on current mileage and usage of the patrol  
fleet.  
Order new vehicles July, 2026, for delivery January 2027.  
This account is supplemented by revenues from fees the town charges for cruisers at  
private duty construction details, and from town share of infractions fines for certain  
moving violations.  
In-Car Video  
$40,000  
The Police Department implemented in car cameras in Fiscal Year 2018/2019; and they  
are nearing end of life. The department requests placing funds in reserve for planned  
replacement of all 12 in car cameras in FY29.  
This project should be considered in conjunction with upgrading the police body-worn  
cameras and storage systems.  
Potential grant funding from the USDOJ COPS Office, technology section, should be  
explored.  
Firearm Reserve Fund  
$12,600  
Funding to outfit new Officers with firearms and associated equipment.  
Police Body Worn Cameras  
$7,020  
The Police Department implemented body-worn cameras in Fiscal Year 2021/2022 in  
accordance with Public Act 20-01; Section 19. The Program required maintenance and  
software and updates. The cost was $7,050 annually.  
Potential grant funding from the USDOJ COPS Office, technology section, should be  
explored.  
Police Body Armor Replacement  
$8,375  
This is a new Capital request for FY27. For the purposes of making the Body Armor  
purchases and subsequent reimbursement through the Bulletproof Vest Partnership  
Program (BVP) Grant more transparent and easier to track The Police Department  
requests allocating the contractually mandated (Section 10.2 of current CBA) funding  
for body armor as a Capital expenditure.  
Annually purchase of up-to five (5) replacement vests with carrier. Note: Body armor  
has a normal service life of 5-years.  
50% of the expenditure is normally reimbursed through the Bulletproof Vest  
Partnership Program (BVP) Grant via electronic transfer.  
Base Station Replacement Reserve  
$8,500  
Reserve Fund for Dispatch Base Station Radio replacement and repair as needed. This is  
a reserve fund that has been in effect for several years to update equipment used for  
police, fire, and EMS emergency communications.  
In FY27, this fund will partially support the two fire companies’ continuing transition  
to the Connecticut Mobile Land Radio Network.  
Total  
Police CIP Fiscal Year 2026/2027  
$135,855  
3:45 p.m. Water Pollution Control Authority Chairman Ed Lynch  
Chairman Ed Lynch presented the Water Pollution Control Authority’s proposed Fiscal  
Year 2026/2027 Budget as follows:  
Water Operations Budget:  
Water Operations: $$1,863.00. an increase of $97,468.20 over the Fiscal Year  
2025/2026 Budget.  
Mr. Lynch stated that Groton Utilities notified the WPCA that they would be increasing  
the cost of water by 4% to commence on October 1, 2026. He noted that the WPCA  
would be scheduling a Public Hearing sometime in April, 2026 to present the 4% water  
rate increase to the Ratepayers; as it would be included in the upcoming Fiscal Year  
2025/2026Water Operations Budget.  
Mr. Lynch went to explain the following account lines saw increases; noting that that  
some debt would be paid off during the current fiscal year:  
Account Name  
ü GU Operating Agreement  
ü GU Customer Service  
ü Route 12 Water Purchased Used  
ü Finance Department Services  
ü Retirement  
Increase  
$ 9,455.00  
$ 3,159.15  
$50,000.00  
$ $7,000.00  
$ 5,738.50  
Decrease  
ü
ü
ü
General Obligation Bond Interest  
CWF/DWSFR Loan Principle  
Contingency  
$
832.00  
$34,355.00  
476.45  
$
New Position:  
Technical Administrator (New Position) $63,750  
ü
Mr. Lynch and the Finance Committee discussed the following:  
· Water Rate Increases - Mr. Lynch stated every year the WPCA was losing money  
because when they prepare their Annual Budget they were guessing. He explained  
that last year (fy 25/26) Groton Utilities told them that the water rate would be  
increasing by 4% in October 2025, and possibly a 6% increase in January, 2026.  
However, he stated what they actually had was 4% in 2025; and in January 2026  
Groton Utilities raised the water rate by 11%; therefore, the WPCA was behind by  
5%. He stated on July 1, 2026 Groton Utilities would be increasing the water rate  
again by 5%.  
Mr. Lynch stated that 3,333 gallons was the WPCA monthly base minimum; and the  
monthly bill was about $33.00 per month.  
Councilor Buhle stated that her water provider was Southeastern Connecticut Water  
Authority (SCWA) and that her household used about 8,000 gallons of water  
quarterly and that her quarterly bill was about $127.00 She stated that SCWA  
Customers were paying about $9.00 per month or $27.00 more per quarter than  
WPCA Water Customers; as a comparison. She stated although she did not want to  
raise water rates unnecessarily, however, she did not want to jeopardize the health of  
Ledyard’s Water System to keep things cheaper than their neighbors.  
· Water Operations Contract - Mr. Lynch stated that the WPCA had a contract with  
Groton Utilities for their Water Operations and to handle the WPCA’s Billing. He  
stated that he believed the Contract was up for renewal in 2027. He stated that Groton  
Utilities was interested in taking over the WPCA Water Operations; noting that  
should Ledyard want to no longer be in the utility business that they would need to  
think through the transition process. He also noted that now there were rumors that  
Groton Utilities doesn’t want the WPCA Water Operations System because they  
were losing money with them. Therefore, he stated maybe they would not renew the  
contract.  
·
Highlands Waterline Breaks - Mr. Lynch noted the age of the system stating that  
Groton Utilities installed shutoff values, noting that last year they spent $138,000 to  
redoing Thompson Lane, which only had 10 houses. He also noted that there were  
two other cul-de-sacs in Highlands that they had to make repairs to stating that the  
system was crumbling and that they were going to have to think about the costs to fix  
that system.  
· Lead Survey - Mr. Lynch addressed the State Environmental Protection Agency  
(EPA) required Lead Survey. He stated even though the WPCA had no lead in their  
system, zero EPA was still going to make the WPCA dig up their lines, noting that  
this Survey was going to cost $300,000 - $500,000, after 2027, to dig-up the service  
lines to verify that they do not lead. He stated that this was a lot of money to do  
something when they already know that they do not have lead.  
· New Developments - Mr. Lynch stated the WPCA signed a commitment for the 76  
Condominiums that would be constructed south of here. He stated that he also  
thought that the WPCA was ready to sign a commitment for the development behind  
Holdridges.  
· Fire Hydrants- Mr. Lamb stated the cost to replace a Fire Hydrant was $6,000. He  
stated Groton Utilities was conducting an inventory of Ledyard’s Fire Hydrants  
noting that they were crucial for fire suppression and that many were so old that parts  
were no longer available to repair them.  
· Administrative Position - The Group discussed the need and importance to have  
part-time person to provide Administration of the WPCA’s day-to day activities such  
as:  
o Review, verify, and approve invoices for payment.  
o Provide administrative oversight of the Groton Utilities Contract.  
ü Communicate with Groton Utilities  
ü Repair/replace Fire Hydrants  
ü Not being billed for items that were included in the contract, etc.  
o Provide administrative oversight of all phases of Grant Management  
o Improve communication between the WPCA and the Finance Department given  
all the work the Finance Department does for the WPCA  
Assistant Finance Director Ian Stammel stated that the Town was very fortunate to  
have Ed Lynch serving as the WPCA Chairman. He noted that Mr. Lynch goes  
above and beyond as a volunteer, stating that they should have a paid staff person to  
handle a lot of the things that Mr. Lynch was graciously do for the WPCA noting  
that it should not be the responsibly of a volunteer Commission.  
Councilor Buhle stated that they needed to discuss whether the Town should be in  
the water business, noting that Groton Utilities had the infrastructure, customer  
service, availability, etc., to needed to maintain their system that Ledyard does not  
have. Mr. Lynch stated should Ledyard decide it was in their best interest for Groton  
utilities to take on their Water System and Operations that Ledyard would be  
required to have a representative attend their water planning and operational  
meetings. Assistant Finance Director Ian Stammel stated that Ledyard had no staff to  
support the WPCA’s water system and its operations, other than doing some  
accounting and paying invoices. Councilor Buhle suggested they set a goal to obtain  
more information with regard to selling their Water System to Groton Utilities,  
noting with the contract ending in 2027 that this would be a good time to consider  
their options.  
Councilor Ryan noted a few years ago the WPCA conducted a Financial Assessment  
at the request of Groton Utilities; and he questioned what became of that exercise.  
Mr. Lynch stated that he would look into it. Councilor Ryan stated that they should  
look at the situation with Groton Utilities, noting that it might be a win-win.  
· Revenues - Mr. Lynch stated the WPCA had to increase their revenues, noting that  
they have been bringing in about $130,000 a month in revenue +/-. He stated that it  
comes up to about a 15% increase. He stated this would be about a $5 increase in the  
customer’s water bill; but that would translate to an $8 increase in their sewer bill,  
because they were passing the water through the sewer system.  
Sewer Operations Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget:  
Sewer Operations: $744,419.90; an increase of $50,404 over the Fiscal Year  
2025/2026 Budget.  
It was noted that stated per Ordinance #400-001 that “The Town Council shall approve  
the water system budget. This shall be provided to the residents at the Annual Town  
Meeting on the budget.” Although the Town Council was interested in the Sewer  
Operations Budget that per the Ordinance that the Town Council was not required to  
approve the Sewer Operations Budget, noting that it was provided for informational  
purposes only.  
Assistant Finance Director Ian Stammel stated that he worked with Waste Water  
Supervisor Steve Banks on transfers, etc.  
Councilor Ryan questioned the proposed Sewer Operations Budget Overtime  
Account noting that it include a 100% increase. Mr. Stammel explained that the  
Overtime Account included funding for “On-Call Stipend” for when an emergency  
occurred at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. He stated this account has not been  
increased for at least ten-years, which was the reason it saw a significant increase. He  
also explained that when staff was called in for Emergencies they were paid out of  
their Salary line, instead of the Overtime line. Therefore, the Overtime Account was  
being adjusted  
4:20 p.m. Budget Work  
During the work sessions the Finance Committee asked questions about line items in  
each budget category. 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 2026/2027 Budget.  
The Committee commented that as they have been working thru the Budget Work  
Sessions that they were pleased to see that Department Heads worked to off-set General  
Government contractual increases with reductions in other expenses to find efficiencies.  
They also noted that it was apparent that the Mayor and his staff were well prepared to  
answer the Committee’s questions and that they appreciated the level of detail they  
provided.  
The Committee agreed to leave their discussion regarding the Capital Improvement Plan  
(CIP) Budget as part of their wrap-up work, noting that each Department has been  
reviewing their Capital Requests along with their Operational Budgets; and found their  
“Excellence Gap” suggestions to be thoughtful.  
.
Board of Education Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget  
IV  
ADJOURNMENT  
The Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Work Session adjourned at 4:25 p.m.  
Respectfully submitted,  
Jessica Buhle.  
Committee Chairman  
Finance  
Committee  
DISCLAIMER: Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the  
Town.