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Selectmen refer Board of Education CNR projects to Board of Finance; high school sign funding removed
Summary
The Board of Selectmen voted to recommend a package of Board of Education capital nonrecurring (CNR) projects for funding from the capital reserve fund and removed a $25,000 line for a high‑school front sign during the meeting on March 24.
The Simsbury Board of Selectmen voted on March 24 to recommend a package of Board of Education capital nonrecurring (CNR) projects for funding from the town’s capital reserve fund, sending the list on to the Board of Finance for review.
Board of Education staff and district representatives presented the late additions to the CNR list and answered questions from selectmen. Jason (district representative) described several projects the district proposed for funding beyond the town’s traditional $550,000 CNR allocation, including stage curtains and audio upgrades at the performing-arts venues, replacement of worn carpet and walk-off mats and bathroom repairs at Squadron Elementary, phone-system upgrades at older schools, additional bus replacements (moving toward propane buses), and other building repairs. Jason also said the boathouse location lacks cell coverage, and the requested boathouse Wi‑Fi funding would address emergency response and camera/security needs.
Several selectmen and residents urged clearer documentation. One selectman said the board needed line‑item explanations (why cost estimates differ and why items were added late in the process) and asked staff to provide succinct rationales during future budget/CNR discussions. The board debated whether it was being asked to approve the entire package wholesale or to review individual projects; town staff said the board’s referral was required before the Board of Finance could act.
The board approved the full recommended package and accepted an amendment to remove one item: a $25,000 allocation for a high‑school front sign. The motion to remove the sign line item was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Votes at a glance Motion: Add proposed Board of Education CNR projects to the capital nonrecurring plan and recommend funding through the capital reserve fund. Outcome: Approved (with amendment removing $25,000 for high-school front sign) Tally: Recorded by voice vote; no roll-call recorded in transcript.
Clarifying details and notable items mentioned - $25,000 removed from the package for the high-school front sign (motion adopted). - Projects explicitly discussed by district staff: stage curtains/audio upgrades, Squadron Elementary carpeting and bathroom work, older-school phone-system upgrades, Henry James bathroom work, bus replacements (two diesel-to-propane replacements), boathouse Wi‑Fi and camera/security needs. Cost estimates for most items were not provided in the meeting packet and were described as “not specified” during discussion. - Board members repeatedly asked for short written justifications for each line item when these lists are provided in future budget cycles.
Why it matters If the Board of Finance approves the referral, the recommended projects would be funded from reserves or the capital reserve fund and move into the town’s capital plan. Selectmen signaled a need for clearer process and earlier coordination so that CNR items from municipal departments and the school district can be ranked together.
Ending The Board of Finance will review the referral at its public hearing; selectmen and staff said they would provide additional documentation and seek clearer guidance next budget cycle on how CNR items are prioritized.
