Board of Finance Discusses Storm Damage, Land Acquisition, Budgets

Goshen’s monthly Board of Finance (BoF) meeting was held Wednesday, March 22 at Town Hall. In attendance were Board Chairman Allan Walker, First Selectman Todd Carusillo, and Board members Ned Bixler, James Korner, Scott Tillman, Robert Valentine and Pat Reilly (as Alternate for the excused Bill Lane.) Also attending were Paul Collins, Goshen’s Recycling and Trash Coordinator, and Christopher Leone, superintendent of Litchfield and Region 6 schools; several residents were in attendance via Zoom videoconference.

An attendance error in the minutes of the Feb. 22 BoF meeting was corrected, adding Pat Reilly to that meeting’s attendance list. The Capital Expenditures Request was attached to the meeting minutes. Those minutes also specified members of the BoF believed they should consider spending land acquisition funds amassed by the town, but it was actually Mr. Valentine who had suggested it. The minutes were again amended and accepted unanimously by the Board.

Storm Damage           

Mr. Carusillo noted that tree removal expenses will increase with the significant damage caused by the recent winter storm. The Public Works Department incurred costs of about $19,000 for two trucks hired to aid in the cleanup. They will require an additional truck next week, at a cost of $10,000. Carusillo noted that Public Works Supervisor Garrett Harlow told him there are approximately $60,000 in operational funds available to offset the storm’s additional costs.

Over 1600 Goshen residents and businesses lost power in the storm and thousands of trees and limbs came down in the Town’s roads and rights of way. Public Works and a crew from Wolcott worked tirelessly to quickly clear the roads after the storm.

Composting Bins                  

            In an effort to lessen the impact of recent increases in trash tipping fees, the Town is attempting to reduce overall trash volumes by encouraging the composting of food waste. Accordingly, the cost of composting bins for residents has been reduced to $36, a 50% savings. Paul Collins, Goshen’s Recycling and Trash Coordinator, noted that each person in Goshen creates about 1,370 lbs. of waste per year, 30% of which is compostable. Composting can save each person in Goshen $123 per year.

            Nickels for Nips, a program created in 2021 by the State Legislature, imposes a five-cent surcharge for nip liquor bottles that is collected by liquor distributors.  Funding from the extra charge goes to municipalities to be used specifically for environmental issues and cleaning up the nip bottles. Goshen’s share of these funds, approximately $1,950 annually, can be used for recycling, composting, or street sweeping. Mr. Valentine’s motion to use the funds to subsidize compost bins in town was unanimously approved.

Land Acquisition

            Goshen has an opportunity to purchase 14 acres of property on Sharon Turnpike across from the town firehouse for $200,000. There has been discussion of using the site to build a new Town Garage for the Public Works Department. It was stated that since the Town expects a $290,000 refund from Region 6 in July, that would cover the land purchase with the remainder going to the general fund. Mr. Korner motioned to purchase the land, seconded by Mr. Reilly. The purchase will be decided upon at the Town meeting. Mr. Carusillo asked where the deposit for the 14-acre land purchase would be deducted from. A motion was unanimously approved to withdraw the funds from General Unassigned Funds.

Other Budget Matters           

School Superintendent Leone presented the Region 6 2023-2024 school budget to the Board, including increases in salaries and benefits. The District is projecting a decrease in revenues from Goshen of $95,000 as of March 3, 2023.

            Leone noted that WAMOGO Regional High School’s cafeteria and gym floors will receive non-slip resin coatings this coming summer. The District has received a mental health grant of $8.75 million over five years for social services including mental health services.               

           Budgets for 2023–2024 were reviewed in comparison to 2022–2023. The animal control budget was increased from $12,500 to $13,000 to train a new deputy officer. The Board of Finance’s budget increased from $15,789 to $16,812 due to increasing printing costs. The town cemeteries budget stayed fixed at $8,475, but since the cemetery mowing contract is out for bids, so that may change in the future. The Fire Protection budget increased from $111,595 to $121,534 because of increased costs for electricity and for oil and diesel fuels.

            The Library budget increased from $1,666,894 to $1,666,994. Library Board member Henrietta Horvay asked about the status of library window repairs. Mr. Carusillo noted that $10,000 was added to library building maintenance funds both last year and this year. A company will be coming to measure the windows and will then send a quote for the repairs.

            The Rescue Department’s budget stayed fixed at $35,279.

            Mr. Valentine motion to give a 4% merit increase for elected officials and contractors was unanimously approved.

            Mr. Carusillo has been discussing with Connecticut Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas the impact of early voting on the town.

            Mr. Reilly suggested that, by the next town meeting, residents should be given information about the mill rate. Mr. Valentine noted he will outline the discussion for the next BoF meeting

            Mr. Valentine made a motion, seconded by Mr. Korner, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting ended at 8:45 p.m.