Newtown Legislative Council Reviews Budgets, Insurance Policies

NEWTOWN, CT — The Legislative Council convened on May 21 to review ongoing municipal matters including sewer fund budgeting, insurance policy updates, and upcoming contract negotiations.

Water and Sewer Authority Chair Gene Vetrano and Director of Public Works Fred Hurley provided details on the town's water and sewer fund. Hurley said a bill has been sent to the state for capital improvements at the wastewater treatment plant dating back to 2019. Under an intermunicipal agreement, the state and town share financial responsibility for the plant based on their respective capacities—64.38 percent and 34.65 percent respectively.

Vetrano noted that operational costs had previously absorbed water and sewer benefit assessments, which kept user rates low. Moving forward, those assessments will be directed toward capital improvements while user fees will fund operational costs.

The council unanimously approved a new Contractor Insurance Requirements and Indemnification policy, setting specific coverage thresholds and indemnification expectations for any contractor working with the town or town-insured organizations.

See Also: Newtown BOE Reviews Financials, Policies At April Meeting

Finance Director Glenys Salas presented the May budget report, highlighting projected revenue shortfalls and updated fund balance estimates. She said unions have until May 30 to opt into newly approved medical cost control measures, which could result in savings between 5 percent and 10 percent for the upcoming fiscal year. Cost controls will be negotiated union by union as they come up over the next 5 years.

First Selectman Jeff Capeci said contract talks had begun with the Department of Public Works labor unit and reported progress on negotiations involving the sale of the 3 Main Street property. He also noted the Board of Selectmen’s vote to reestablish the Animal Control Advisory Board.

The Recycling Ad Hoc Committee reviewed upcoming communication to residents via tax bills and is developing enforcement policies, Council member Laura Miller reported.

See Also: Newtown Legislative Council Sets Mill Rate, Reviews School Plan

The Board of Education is expected to begin contract discussions with the Newtown Federation of Teachers in July and will update the council at its July 16 meeting.

The council may cancel its July 2 meeting if no business is pending. The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.