The Middletown Board of Estimate approved a slate of routine budget transfers and administrative items during a meeting that included acceptance of donations, authorization of a cybersecurity assessment and the posting of the proposed 2025 water and sewer budget for public hearing.

Among the actions approved were intra‑departmental transfers to cover public works materials ($15,000), street department overtime ($16,000) and Public Works administration overtime ($10,000); transfers in the recreation department totaling $11,110.90 to cover camp personnel, overtime and equipment lines; and a series of 2024 overdraft and reclassifications across multiple city departments to cover travel, tax collection, insurance and ARPA reporting costs. The board also accepted a $200 donation in memory of Richard Wolslayer and a $600 donation from the Middletown Kiwanis for a commemorative maple tree.

The board authorized a $50,000 Cherry Road security gap assessment to be funded from property transfer tax revenues to the data processing account. Staff framed the cybersecurity assessment as a proactive measure in light of recent incidents in other municipalities. On the proposed 2025 water and sewer budget, the board confirmed the plan is within the 2025 tax cap and set a public hearing during the Board of Estimate at 4:00 PM.

A notable equipment authorization involved the police department’s purchase of a Farrow electronic crime‑scene scanner and related reclassifications across part‑time officer lines to pay for cameras, training and K‑9 care. Chief Huancho said the new scanner will cut survey scan time in half and improve efficiency. The board also approved a renewal of the Marshall & Sterling combined services agreement for worker’s compensation; Mr. McDermott said the only contract change was the price, which he believed to be $53,000 for the year.

Votes at a glance:
- Approval of minutes (motion passed, voice vote).
- Item 3.1: $11,640 transfer from general fund for courthouse painting — approved (yes: 2).
- Item 3.2: $15,000 DPW transfer to traffic paint and signs — approved (yes: 2).
- Item 3.3: $16,000 transfer to street department overtime — approved (yes: 2).
- Item 3.4: $10,000 transfer to Public Works administration overtime — approved (yes: 2).
- Item 3.5: Acceptance of $750,000 DASNY grant — approved (yes: 2). (See separate article.)
- Item 3.6: $200 donation acceptance (Wolslayer memorial) — approved (yes: 2).
- Rec transfers: $11,110.90 intra‑departmental reallocations — approved (yes: 2).
- Item 3.9: $600 Middletown Kiwanis donation — approved (yes: 2).
- Overdraft and reclassifications across departments (multiple line items) — approved (yes: 2).
- Item 3.11: $50,000 Cherry Road security gap assessment — approved (yes: 2).
- Senior center transfer and amendment (TV, equipment and event costs) — amendment and amended resolution approved (yes: 2).
- DRI facade architectural services transfer ($8,000) — approved (yes: 2).
- Young Explosives fireworks exhibition agreement (July 2 event at Fainter Davidge Park) — approved (yes: 2).
- Marshall & Sterling combined services renewal (workman’s comp) — approved (yes: 2).

Board members asked for a follow‑up on why camp personnel lines were over budget and whether shortages were causing overtime; staff said they were not aware of specifics and would follow up. The meeting closed after the renewal of the Marshall & Sterling agreement and final motions to adjourn.