Brookfield Finance Board Reviews Grants, Capital Needs and Cell Tower Concerns

BROOKFIELD, CT — The Brookfield Board of Finance reviewed a wide range of fiscal, capital and infrastructure issues during its Nov. 18 meeting, including a new state grant for Four Corners improvements, solar project planning, school building updates, and renewed public concerns about a proposed cell tower.

Town Wins $406K Connectivity Grant

First Selectman Steve Dunn reported that Brookfield secured a $406,159 state connectivity grant after three attempts. The funding will extend the Four Corners streetscape north to Newbury Village on the west side of Federal Road.

The project aligns with a larger $5 million federal RAISE grant awarded to regional planners for long-term trail and pedestrian infrastructure design. Brookfield will be responsible for roughly 10 percent of its portion of the regional design costs, which Dunn said still represents a substantial savings.

Solar Contracts Move Forward, With Roof Concerns

The town has signed three solar installation contracts covering Whisconier Middle School, Candlewood Lake Elementary School and the high school student parking lot. Dunn said the projects were separated intentionally so that one delay would not halt the others.

Whisconier remains the most uncertain site due to the likelihood that the school’s roof will require extensive replacement. Board members asked for cost-benefit and discounted cash-flow analyses to determine whether advancing roof work ahead of schedule makes financial sense.

Candlewood Lake Elementary Punch List Still Open

Dunn said the Municipal Building Committee and contractor Verogy are in mediation over about $1.2 million in disputed costs for the Candlewood Lake Elementary School project. Several smaller punch-list items are still being resolved, and the final certificate of occupancy continues to hinge on two interior stair finishes that the state has not yet approved.

Cell Tower Location Re-Examined

Board members held a lengthy discussion on the proposed cell tower planned for private property near the Hidden Brook and Lake Lillinonah area. Several members raised concerns about potential reductions in nearby home values and questioned whether renewed negotiations could shift the tower back to town-owned land — a possibility residents rejected several years ago.

Dunn said the tower is at least 18 to 24 months from construction and that the town can review alternative options. He acknowledged the likelihood of property value impacts and said the town would need to compare any tax base changes with projected lease revenue.

Legal Update: Gas Compressor Case

Brookfield will join an ancillary lawsuit challenging state environmental regulators’ handling of a proposed natural gas compressor upgrade at the Iroquois station. Dunn said legal costs will be closely monitored, and the town could withdraw if expenses escalate.

Budget Pressures and Capital Needs

Finance Director Marcia Marien said interest income remains on track with projections, and state grants will come in roughly $200,000 higher than expected. Public Works will require transfers to cover rising equipment repair costs, including a Bobcat with mounting maintenance issues.

Aging HVAC equipment at the Town Beach community room also needs replacement; board members signaled support for fully air-conditioning and heating the building rather than making partial repairs, citing long-term cost savings.

The board also discussed forming a health insurance reserve to help level out future premium spikes, though members noted that rising statewide costs may delay the town’s ability to fund such an account.

Board of Education Budget Variances

The board reviewed school district financials showing lower-than-budgeted special education outplacements. While the Board of Education has ring-fenced those funds as a safeguard, some finance board members raised concerns about the town and schools now holding combined “what-if” reserves equaling roughly 1 percent of total spending. Others said the new budgeting structure should be given time to stabilize.