Selectmen approve agenda additions, confirm appointments and review department budgets; parking software extended month to month

The New Canaan Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, Jan. 24 approved several routine motions, confirmed two volunteer appointments and heard budget presentations from multiple town departments, including Human Services, the Health Department, Police, Fire and Emergency Management.

Why it matters: The hearing reviewed staffing levels, capital requests and grant strategies that will feed into the town’s FY26 budget planning. Departments described increasing service demand in 2024 that may change how the town funds programs and uses grant revenue.

The board approved two appointments: Alan Badanes as an alternate member (term to 12/01/2025) and Danica Landers to the Utilities Commission (three‑year term ending 07/01/2025). Both motions passed unanimously. The board also voted to add a new agenda item—approval of a month‑to‑month renewal with Passport Labs Inc. for the town’s parking management system—and then approved the amended agenda.

Human Services: staff, caseloads and grants Human Services Director (referred to in the meeting as Marcy) told selectmen the department’s caseloads and program use rose in 2024. Marcy said the department is serving 227 adult/senior clients year‑to‑date (individual clients), and 154 families (about 60 children) through youth and family services. The grief support group showed 288 total attendee contacts in 2024 (about 12–14 weekly participants), and the food pantry recorded roughly 1,400 visits in 2024 (counting repeat visits), with 892 visits already year‑to‑date.

To reduce pressure on the town operating budget, Marcy described reallocating grant funds. Examples cited for FY26 planning: a $50,000 “Getabout” line (split $25,000 town / $25,000 CTDOT), Kids in Crisis at $96,000 (noted as $70,000 town / $16,000 Youth Services Bureau grant / $10,000 opioid settlement), New Canaan Cares $18,000 (mix of town, Youth Services and opioid settlement funds), and a Meals on Wheels allocation ($5,000).…