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Historical Commission asks that cemetery maintenance be moved to operating budget; Lockwood Matthews nearing reopening
Summary
The Historical Commission requested moving $25,000 from capital to operating for cemetery maintenance, asked for operating grants to support a curator, and said Lockwood Matthews Mansion should begin reoccupation in spring with uncertain utility run rates.
David Westmoreland, representing Norwalk’s Historical Commission on March 5, asked the Board of Estimate and Taxation to shift recurring cemetery and collection support from capital to operating and described near-term expectations for the renovated Lockwood Matthews Mansion.
Westmoreland said the commission manages 10 city‑owned historic buildings and four municipal cemeteries and that the department had been asked to move a $25,000 annual capital request for cemetery maintenance into the operating budget. He said $15,000 of the reallocated funds were placed in professional services and about $10,000 in buildings, and that the commission spends roughly $10,000 a year on conserving the city’s historical collection.
He also requested a $20,000 operating grant increase to support the local historical society’s recently hired full-time curator, who is cataloging and conserving the municipal collection; Westmoreland said there are approximately three more years of work needed to complete cataloging and conservation. An additional $10,000 operating request was identified for Lockwood Matthews Mansion to cover uncertain utility and operating costs following renovation; facilities staff are evaluating the new HVAC and mechanical systems.
Westmoreland said Lockwood Matthews staff anticipate beginning to move back into the mansion in April, with a public opening “more likely” in June or July, but that the commission lacks a full winter run-rate for utilities and will monitor costs. Facilities will take over building management, which could affect headcount in a later fiscal year.
BET members did not take formal action at the March 5 meeting; the items were presented for budget consideration.
