In a recent budget meeting, town officials engaged in a heated discussion regarding the allocation of funds for public safety and the settlement of a significant litigation case. The meeting, held just days before the new fiscal year, saw council members debating the financial implications of hiring an additional police officer at an annual cost of approximately $160,000. Some members expressed concerns about the sustainability of funding such positions from the town's sinking fund, which had been bolstered to its highest level yet.

Councilman Fernandez argued against using the sinking fund for new hires, citing the need to maintain financial prudence. He emphasized that the current police chief had indicated adequate resources were available through overtime funds, suggesting that the town should prioritize existing financial commitments over new expenditures.

The discussion shifted to the contentious settlement of a lawsuit involving former town official Mr. Pizzi, where the council voted to pay approximately $1 million over three budget cycles, in addition to nearly $2 million already spent on litigation. This decision was framed as a necessary step to avoid further financial liability, with some council members advocating for the settlement to prevent ongoing legal costs and uncertainty.

Councilman Dieguez, who supported the settlement, highlighted the potential for escalating costs if the town continued to litigate, while Fernandez opposed the decision, arguing it was politically motivated and not in the best interest of taxpayers. The debate underscored a divide among council members regarding fiscal responsibility and the management of taxpayer funds.

As the meeting concluded, council members also addressed the performance of the town manager, with varying opinions on whether he should remain in his position following the upcoming elections. Some members expressed confidence in his leadership, while others called for a more structured evaluation process to ensure accountability.

Overall, the meeting reflected ongoing tensions regarding budget priorities, public safety funding, and the management of legal liabilities, setting the stage for future discussions as the new fiscal year approaches.