Newtown Board Of Finance Elects Leaders, Reviews Budget Updates

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Finance elected new leadership, heard budget and grant updates, and reviewed proposed revisions to contractor insurance requirements during its Dec. 8 meeting at the Municipal Center.

First Selectman Bruce Walczak opened the meeting at 7:31 p.m. by noting he had been in office for six days and was still acclimating to ongoing projects. He invited board members to share topics they would like included in his monthly reports.

Board Elects Chair and Vice Chair

James Gaston moved to nominate John Fletcher as board chair, a motion that was seconded and approved unanimously. Fletcher then supported a motion to nominate Steve Goodridge as vice chair, which also passed unanimously.

The board also appointed Nicole Kullgren as clerk following a unanimous vote.

Updates on Budget, Grants and Capital Projects

Walczak reported on several ongoing initiatives, including:

• Progress on Commerce Road and the Housatonic Railroad property
• A potential purchaser for the Newtown Youth Academy
• A lease agreement involving WINN
• A $50,000 grant to the Community Center to support the NCC café and nutrition-focused educational programs
• The library HVAC project, which he said remains on schedule and under budget

No voter comments were submitted during the meeting.

Finance Director Reports on Employee Benefits, Funds

Finance Director Glenys Salas clarified that the recent $50,000 Board of Education grant would follow the school district’s established approval process, as the BOE initiated and secured the funding.

She also reported that the Employee Medical Benefits Board approved an 11 percent increase in medical premiums and a 3 percent increase in dental premiums for employees. In addition, Salas reviewed general, proprietary and fund balance reports.

Committee and Workshop Updates

Goodridge reported that the CIP/Facilities/Finance Committee had not met since October but planned to resume meetings in January. Walczak said he would reestablish the Recycling Ad Hoc Committee at the next Board of Selectmen meeting and would outline the committee structure and Board of Finance participation.

Fletcher said he would reach out to the superintendent and Legislative Council to gauge interest in continuing a joint budget workshop.

Insurance Policy Revisions Under Review

Board member Amybeth Laroche introduced proposed revisions to the town’s Contractor Insurance Requirements and Indemnification Policy, included in the meeting packet. The changes address coverage limits, waiver of subrogation, indemnification language, and exceptions for instructors.

Members agreed Laroche should send her revisions to Salas for legal review before they return for potential approval at a future meeting.

2026 Meeting Calendar Approved With Date Change

The board unanimously approved the 2026 Board of Finance meeting calendar, with one modification: the Jan. 29, 2026 meeting will instead be held on Jan. 22, aligning with a previously approved schedule. The calendar lists regular meetings and budget sessions throughout the year.

Adjournment

With no further business or public comment, the meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.