Goshen Board of Finance Receives Valentine’s Resignation, Discusses Budget

06/24/2026

Present: Chair Edward “Ned” Bixler, Paul Collins, Lorraine Lucas, Scott Tillmann, James P. Korner, Patrick J. Reilly Sr. (alternate), Vice Chairman Robert Valentine.

Absent: Robert Layer (alternate).

The Goshen Board of Finance accepted Vice Chairman Robert Valentine's surprise resignation after 23 years of service and heard a budget update from First Selectman Seth Breakell during its brief June 24 regular meeting.

Chair Ned Bixler began the meeting by addressing lingering questions about interest earned on the town's land fund, explaining that it isn't credited until year's end since the money sits within the general fund rather than a separate account.  "There isn't a separate bank account called ‘land,’" he said. "So, at the end of the year, they allocate the interest to the different pieces."

The board reviewed the town's tax collection report, discussing this year's rate relative to recent years. "We're doing fine," Bixler noted.

First Selectman Seth Breakell also provided the board with a budget update, noting that rising oil costs are pushing work like crack filling over budget, with the shortfall covered from the town's tar account. He said land use enforcement, covering wetlands and zoning, is on track to finish over budget due to high activity this year. A code change requiring a different refrigerant also raised costs for new firehouse air conditioning, according to Breakell’s update.

"Instead of the $15,000 we had allocated, it's $15,950," Breakell said. “So, there's $950 bucks we have to make up in that line of capital.”

A re-quote on new town hall windows came back $2,500 cheaper than the original $30,000 estimate, according to Breakell.

"He's coming next Tuesday — the installer — to actually measure and finalize a labor number, even though it's got to go out to bid," he said. "He’s doing that as a favor to make sure our labor numbers are reasonably accurate."

In addition, Breakell noted that the town recently received a cheaper quote than previously for its fire protection insurance coverage. "It’s the same coverage … and it's about $10,000 cheaper,” he noted.

Valentine announced his resignation from the board toward the end of the meeting, citing his involvement since 2003 and desire to let others take over.

"It is time for me to step aside and let other people take on the work of the Board of Finance," he said.

Bixler said he was “shocked” by Valentine’s decision. "I’m sorry to see you make this decision,” he said. “You've been an important voice on the Board of Finance.”