Newtown Legislative Council Approves Funds For Community Mental Health Support

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Legislative Council convened on June 18 to review town financial updates and approve a series of funding transfers, including $10,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to support mental health services at the Newtown Community Center’s 2025 summer camp.

Council members unanimously approved the ARPA appropriation, which will fund access to mental health professionals for youth during summer months, when school-based resources are unavailable. The initiative is part of a broader effort to expand mental health support in community programs.

In addition to the ARPA allocation, the council approved an $8,430 transfer within the public buildings budget to cover general maintenance, repairs and electricity expenses.

Finance Director Glenys Salas reported that Newtown has been awarded a $600,000 STEAP (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) grant for projects at the Community Center, including a splash pad and storage facility. She also highlighted recent savings efforts, including a switch in insurance consulting services expected to save $50,000 annually and participation in a purchasing consortium that will reduce costs on Amazon Business Prime for five years.

Salas noted that by renegotiating custodial fees on the town's Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) fund, the town is projected to save $45,000 over three years. Additionally, a lien payment discrepancy from a previous tax sale is being addressed to recoup more than $4,200.

The Finance Department also completed a bond strategy review to avoid arbitrage penalties. To meet IRS timelines and optimize fund usage, the town has accelerated its fiscal year 2026 bond issuance plan, with funding to be drawn from the debt service fund.

First Selectman Jeff Capeci provided an update on town communications policy improvements, including signage for meeting room capacities and discussions on enabling remote public comment. Capeci also reported that the town had sent formal letters to Gov. Ned Lamont urging vetoes of two state bills that town leaders believe undermine local control over land use and property rights.

Capeci shared that the Police Chief had requested a potential ordinance allowing the department to recover costs from event organizers when rallies or parades require police overtime. The proposal is under consideration.

Additionally, Capeci noted concerns over a proposed change in ownership of Aquarion Water Company, which could impact local tax revenue and regulatory oversight. A virtual public hearing by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is scheduled for June 25.

Committee reports included progress on revising recycling ordinances and pay-as-you-throw waste policies, as well as the initiation of a traffic safety program study.

The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m. with no public comments submitted.