Newtown Selectmen Review Rail Trail Hearing, Road Work And Year-End Finances

NEWTOWN, CT — The Board of Selectmen met Aug. 18 to hear updates on rail trail requirements, town finances, and ongoing road projects, while noting the retirement of a longtime public works employee.

Rail Trail Hearing Required

First Selectman Jeff Capeci reported that state law requires the board to hold a public hearing on a license for the planned rail trail crossing over Housatonic Railroad tracks in Botsford. The action comes after House Bill 5348, which would have authorized a pedestrian and bicycle crossing at grade, failed to advance in the General Assembly. Capeci said the hearing is the only local requirement for the project to move forward through an administrative process.

Facilities And Staffing Updates

Capeci noted that Winn Development requested more time to review a section of its lease agreement, delaying an anticipated executive session with the Legislative Council. He also announced that longtime Public Works employee Tim Whelan retired after 43 years of service. Whelan was recognized for his humor and willingness to help with facilities issues. New facilities director Sean Heslin has assumed responsibility for those duties and has distributed a survey to department heads on municipal space needs.

Transfer Station And Google Meet Pilot

The board received an update on the town’s “pay-as-you-throw” program at the transfer station, which Capeci said is now fully implemented. Calls about the program are declining, though questions remain about the thickness of the official bags. He also reported progress on using Google Meet technology to broadcast Legislative Council meetings from the Council Chambers, with the potential for public participation by phone in the future.

Flood Recovery

The meeting marked the one-year anniversary of the August 2024 flood that damaged the town’s water system. Capeci said the well field on South Main Street remains offline but expressed hope that water supply will meet summer demand by the end of the month. He added that customers appear to be complying with Aquarion Water Company’s restrictions.

Road Work Plans

Public Works Director Fred Hurley and Highway Superintendent John Curtis updated the board on several road projects. Abbotts Hill is scheduled for full paving this season, while Oakview Drive and Old Bridge Road are under review for sectional paving and wetlands issues. Zoar Road is also slated for work. The town’s chip seal program continues, covering about 280 miles of roads, with costs estimated at $1 million per mile for full repaving and $300,000 per mile for milling and paving.

Year-End Financial Report

Finance Director Glenys Salas presented the fiscal 2025 year-end financials. The town closed the year with an unassigned fund balance of $23.5 million, equal to 17.2% of the operating budget, up from $13.5 million the previous year. Revenues totaled $135.4 million, while expenses reached $48.1 million and education spending came in at $76.7 million. Net income for the year was $10.5 million.

Salas reported that while some state revenue sources fell short, property tax collections and investment income outperformed expectations. Public works operations generated a significant surplus, while the medical self-insurance fund ran over budget due to higher-than-anticipated claims.

Capeci said the fund balance remains above the town’s 8 percent policy threshold, giving Newtown financial flexibility heading into fiscal 2026.