Litchfield Board of Selectmen: Members Eye Funding Before Borough Leaders Talk Sidewalks, Troopers
6/16/26, 5:33 PM
Present: First Selectman Denise Raap and Selectmen John Bongiorno, Jodiann Tenney, and Jeff Zullo. Absent: Selectman Dan Morosani.
The board first heard from Matt Tobin, a Litchfield resident, who stated that he reviewed the Region 20 audit and was disappointed the auditor did not specify the amount of money Region 20 paid in invoices on behalf of Litchfield Public Schools and Region 6.
He noted that he attended the Board of Education meeting prior to the audit approval and raised that concern. He further stated the audit did not indicate the invoices provided for review were over budget, citing the transportation line as an example. He also asked about the $400,000 check issued to Litchfield on July 1, 2024.
In her First Selectman's update report, Raap noted that she was in New Haven earlier in the day with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, who organized a round table with first selectmen and mayors.
They discussed cuts in state and federal funding and how those reductions may affect municipalities. She mentioned that SNAP, special education funding, and transportation were among areas impacted.
“They might trickle down to the municipalities unless we all make sure that we do our part and fight for the monies that we know we deserve,” Raap said.
She also stated that roads were discussed and expressed satisfaction with the conditions of Litchfield roads, noting that many towns and cities have not addressed the roads for several years due to budget cuts.
Zullo noted that the town has a 15-year master plan for roads and highlighted the extensive work completed in recent years on bridge projects.
“I hope voters see it (progress) because I do see it. And every year we're incrementally getting better,” he said.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:54 p.m.
Following the BOS meeting, the Board of Warden & Burgesses of the Borough of Litchfield meeting began at 6 pm.
Present: Warden Gayle and burgesses Elisa Bauer, Dirk Patterson, Rebecca Parilla, William Buckley, and Wolf Boehme.
Under new business, Carr noted the Borough received a grant about two years ago for sidewalk improvements and stated they are ready to go out to bid in July. Buckley noted the sidewalks will be asphalt and, within the historic district, will be four feet wide as they were historically.
Raap noted there are two resident troopers, and the budget includes funding for a third. She stated the Public Safety Commissioner indicated a third trooper may be assigned depending on the number of retirements. She explained that the BOS's current plan is to revisit the constable program for part-time constables if a third resident trooper is not received within the first six months of the fiscal year.
