Norwalk probate judge asks BET to restore near‑$35,000 operating request; fees are remitted to state

Judge Doug Stern appeared before the Board of Estimate and Taxation on March 19 to explain the probate court’s request for operating funds and to answer follow‑up questions from BET members.

Tom (staff member) introduced the packet, which shows a request just under $35,000 for the probate court’s municipal share of operating costs for the coming year. Stern said that some line items rose because of changed vendors and higher office‑supply costs after the court moved its purchase account from Staples to W.B. Mason. “We have used a lot of toner this year,” he said, noting higher office expenses.

Stern told the board that the court deposited roughly $2.185 million in fees in 2023–24 and that those fees are remitted to the state. He also cited “policy 502” from the probate manual and “regulation 29.3” to explain how the state’s probate court administration and a probate budget committee allocate resources across courts. Stern and the board clarified that salaries, benefits and education for judges and clerks are paid by the state; municipalities are responsible for day‑to‑day office costs such as supplies.

Board members asked whether Wilton’s share and the municipal office space costs were included; Stern said Wilton pays a roughly pro rata share (he estimated Wilton’s rent check is about $8,500–$9,000 annually) and that the municipality’s requested amount would fulfill Norwalk’s obligation under the standard allocation equation. BET members suggested staff follow up with the city purchasing manager to explore potential procurement savings (for example, an Amazon business account or centralized purchasing) to reduce office‑supply costs.

The board did not take a final vote on the probate request and directed staff to provide any additional supporting documentation and to explore possible purchasing efficiencies.