Edmond Town Hall Board Reviews Finances, Approves Policy Changes

NEWTOWN, CT — The Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers approved new leadership roles, reviewed end-of-year financial and operations reports, and adopted a 2026 meeting schedule during its Dec. 9 meeting.

Chair Jennifer Guman called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. and welcomed new board member Melanie Mattagat. No members of the public offered comment.

Board Approves Minutes, Elects Officers

The board unanimously approved the minutes of its Nov. 11 meeting. It then voted to appoint Guman as chair and Betsy Paynter as vice chair, following motions by board member Herb Rosenthal.

Executive Director Highlights Strong Year-End Attendance And Revenue

Executive Director Gary Lindemann reported that Edmond Town Hall ended November with strong attendance and several well-received programs, including films and live performances. According to his written report, the Newtown Stage Company’s production of "Annie" posted “record-breaking” ticket sales, marking one of the highest weekend grossing events of the year.

Lindemann also reported:

• 21 new members joined in November, bringing the membership total to 96.
• $13,550 in membership revenue year-to-date.
• The facility sold 12 gift certificates in November, with expectations for increased holiday-season sales.
• New show announcements include "Badlands – A Tribute to the Eagles," scheduled for March.

Operations Manager Reports Progress On Repairs, Maintenance Needs

Operations Manager Anthony Sartori said electrical, structural engineering and hazardous materials inspections had been completed as part of the CIP process. Work on ground-floor bathrooms continued, and engineering teams were evaluating rooftop AC alternatives.

His report also detailed maintenance challenges, including aging theater doors, planned carpet replacement for tenant spaces, and potential costs associated with repainting the parking lot —estimated around $9,000.

Business Manager Outlines Financial Picture

Business Manager Lauren DiMartino presented financial updates through Oct. 31, 2025. Total revenue reached $786,166, or 68 percent of the annual budget, with live event income cited as a strong contributor—183 percent above budget projections.

Expenses totaled $592,323, or 44 percent of the annual budget, reflecting ongoing cost controls. Fiscal year 2025-26 includes a budgeted net loss of $181,075, driven by the addition of Group Health Insurance costs of $157,122. A balance sheet showed total assets of $937,514 and a fund balance of $741,148.

Board Reviews And Amends Electronic Transfer Policy

DiMartino asked the board to raise the electronic transfer limits—previously $10,000 per day and $50,000 per month—citing administrative challenges. After discussion, the board unanimously approved increasing limits to $50,000 per day and $300,000 per month.

The board also voted to remove former board member Margot Hall as a signer on all Town Hall bank accounts.

Board Approves 2026 Meeting Calendar

The board unanimously approved its 2026 meeting schedule, with meetings set monthly beginning Jan. 13, 2026, and concluding Jan. 12, 2027.

The session adjourned at 7:52 p.m.