Town Council corrects Charter Revision Commission deadline, defers budget vote

The New Canaan Town Council on Nov. 19 unanimously amended the Charter Revision Commission resolution to correct a clerical error and move the commission’s draft report due date from May 3, 2026 (a Sunday) to May 4, 2026.

The council’s chair explained the calendar error and moved to amend the resolution; Eric Toonam seconded and the motion passed unanimously. “We need to move the date from 05/03/2026 to 05/04/2026,” the chair said before the vote.

Earlier in the meeting a council member asked to add discussion and approval of the commission’s budget to the agenda. Council members exchanged views about process and timing: some said the commission should first develop and submit a formal request, others noted near-term expenses such as legal bills and printing. Tucker Murphy and staff were cited as having already provided estimates and historical expense figures.

Council members referenced preliminary cost figures discussed in the meeting: a roughly $30,000 estimate for legal expenses and about $7,000 for printing were mentioned as prior expenditures. One speaker said the commission had secured a transcriptionist and that some public-noticing expenses could qualify as nonpaid postings under state statute.

After discussion the mover of the budget-adding motion withdrew it to allow the Charter Revision Commission to come forward with a specific request and documentation at a future meeting. The council then proceeded to the formal resolution amendment and approved the corrected report deadline.

Next steps: the council asked the Charter Revision Commission to present its proposed budget and supporting documentation at a future meeting so the council can consider any special appropriations or contingency funds needed before the end of the fiscal year.