Town attorney tells Tolland finance board it can alter school budget before town meeting; officials set workshop schedule

At a Feb. 25 joint meeting, the Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen reviewed a preliminary budget spreadsheet from the treasurer and set a series of budget workshops in March, while the town attorney told the boards he believes the finance board legally may increase or cut the Board of Education’s budget before it is presented at town meeting.

The assertion from the town attorney, Devon, was the most substantial policy point raised during public comment. “You have the authority to cut the education budget before it goes to town meeting,” Devon said, citing charter language and state statutory provisions including references to 7‑3‑44 and charter section 802 e/f. He told members he disagreed with an opinion previously provided by the Board of Education’s attorney and that the finance board’s role is to act as a financial “guardrail.”

Why it matters: Whether the Board of Finance can alter the school budget before the town meeting would determine how much discretion local fiscal officials have to change education spending without first sending the Board of Education’s proposed figure to voters. Devon told the boards he had written formal letters and reviewed statutes and the charter language to support his interpretation.

Meeting business and next steps: Chair Rob said the treasurer had circulated an initial Excel budget spreadsheet but noted it was preliminary and contained an older mill-rate number that needs updating. Rob asked staff to provide current fund balances, a payroll summary and copies of union and nonunion compensation agreements so the boards can model salary and benefit lines, which the selectmen said represent roughly 55–60% of the town’s operational budget.

Rob also laid out the meeting schedule: weekly budget workshops on March 4, 11, 18 and 25, with an April 1 public hearing at which the consolidated budget will be presented to voters. Rob said the fire department and AES will present on March 4 and public works on March 11.

Enrollment and tuition concerns: Selectmen and finance members debated enrollment projections and the effect of out‑of‑town preschool and kindergarten students on regional tuition costs. Jeff emphasized the fiscal stakes, saying, “Every 1% on that costs our town $340,000,” and urged the boards to verify how many students are out‑of‑town and whether current tuition covers actual costs. Board members asked that enrollment data and the basis of multi‑year projection methods (NESDEC) be clarified before finalizing school‑related lines.

Public comments and personnel notes: In public comment, Joanne Hebert praised the new treasurer’s attendance and control of the spreadsheet, saying it reduces prior mistakes. Selectmen discussed the imminent departure of the town administrator, Jim, and interim coverage; the selectmen said they will determine next steps for filling that role.

The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn by Luis, seconded by Marcy. The boards will reconvene for the special virtual budget workshop scheduled for March 4.