Ridgefield Selectpersons Approve Extended Four-Day Workweek, Name Town Historian

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Board of Selectpersons voted Oct. 22 to continue Ridgefield Town Hall’s four-day workweek schedule following a successful summer trial, while also naming longtime local historian Jack Sanders and Betsy Reed to official town historian roles and hearing detailed recommendations from the Senior Tax Credit Committee.

The meeting, held in Town Hall, ran more than three hours and covered public comments, board appointments, and several major policy discussions ranging from town operations to governance reform.

Four-Day Workweek Approved

After reviewing survey results from residents and staff, the board voted to maintain the four-day schedule for town employees, which operates Monday through Thursday with extended hours.

Human Resources Director Laurie Fernandez reported that 117 survey respondents participated, with more than 90 percent expressing satisfaction. Only 11 respondents said the change negatively affected them.

“Morale has been the most significant improvement,” Fernandez said, noting that staff appreciated the better work-life balance. Several residents and contractors also reported benefits from the extended hours, she said.

The board agreed the schedule will continue in alignment with the current union contract, to be reviewed again after three and a half years.

Sanders, Reed Named Town Historians

The board formally appointed Jack Sanders as town historian and Betsy Reed as assistant historian, recognizing decades of contributions to documenting Ridgefield’s history.

Sanders, a former editor of The Ridgefield Press and author of more than a dozen local history books, including The Ridgefield Encyclopedia, said his goal is to preserve the town’s story through both digital and print records.

“We’ve lost a lot with the disappearance of local newspapers,” Sanders said. “It’s made it even more important for agencies and the town clerk to keep good minutes and archives.”

Reed, who retired after 20 years with the Ridgefield Historical Society, has managed oral history recordings, artifact collections, and preservation programs.

Selectpersons praised their work. “Your research, effort, and contributions to this community exceed anyone’s expectations,” said First Selectperson Rudy Marconi. “We’re extremely grateful.”

Senior Tax Relief Committee Presents Recommendations

Gary Roman, chair of the Senior Tax Credit Committee, presented recommendations to modernize the town’s 1976-era senior tax relief program.

The plan proposes raising the existing $1,048 annual credit to $1,200 in fiscal year 2027 and $1,400 in 2028, adding a supplemental credit for lower-income seniors and a “longevity credit” for residents who have lived in town for 25 years or more.

Roman said the goal is to help older residents on fixed incomes remain in their homes amid rising property taxes.

The proposals, which could raise the program’s total annual cost from about $2.1 million to $3.1 million over two years, will require further review by the Board of Finance and a public hearing before any adoption.

Ramapoo Gun Club Lease Renewed

The board also renewed a 25-year lease with the Ramapoo Gun and Revolver Club, allowing the Ridgefield Police Department to continue using its indoor range for firearms training at no cost. The club had previously charged $4,000 annually but waived the fee in exchange for continued use.

Form of Government Discussion

The board continued discussions on whether Ridgefield should hire a town administrator to assist the first selectperson with daily operations. Committee member Dennis Tracey said many nearby towns successfully use such administrators to ensure continuity and professional management.

Other Business

The board approved $1,909 in tax refunds and accepted prior meeting minutes. Marconi also reported that Standard & Poor’s will review Ridgefield’s finances ahead of a $17.45 million bond sale and that the town is preparing for the Nov. 4 referendum on the proposed $77 million public safety facility.

The next regular meeting of the Ridgefield Board of Selectpersons is scheduled for Nov. 5.