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Woodbury officials preview FY 2026-27 draft budget; Board of Finance proposes $537,000 moved to capital reserve
Summary
Town leaders previewed a draft FY 2026-27 budget that trims operating expenses by $85,000 amid projected insurance increases, pointed to about $1 million in beginning funds, and proposed shifting $537,000 from the unassigned fund balance into the capital reserve.
First Selectman Paul Zulpa said the meeting was intended to give the Selectmen a chance to see materials for the upcoming public budget hearing and prefaced a review of the Board of Finance’s recommended changes.
Chief Fiscal Officer Nyree Pieck gave a line-by-line account of operating-budget adjustments prepared by the Board of Finance, reporting a net reduction of $85,000. Pieck noted the revision was accomplished despite an anticipated ~30% increase in health insurance costs, an expected 10% rise in workers’ compensation, and the addition of radio-tower coverage to the town’s insurance policy.
Board of Finance Chair Karen McWhirt reviewed capital-plan details, saying some items are designated "possibly LoCIP" pending research into available LoCIP funds. She cited funds freed from closed encumbrances and noted lost ARPA revenue, which left the town with a beginning balance of about $1 million. McWhirt said debt service would be maintained at $93,000 and highlighted two large capital items: a communications system (previously to be funded from the unassigned fund balance before a lease option became available) and replacing a 10‑wheeler. She said the 10‑wheeler returned to the plan because of upcoming emissions changes and an estimated additional cost of $30,000 if the purchase is delayed.
McWhirt said the Board of Finance is proposing to move $537,000 from the unassigned fund balance into the capital reserve. Mr. Zulpa noted that $205,000 of the roughly $1.4 million capital plan would be funded from 2026-27 tax revenue (about 0.2 mills) and suggested the town present operations, debt service, education and capital separately to improve public understanding. The board reminded attendees that Region 14’s budget hearing was scheduled the same evening and discussed options for members who wanted to attend both hearings.
No formal vote was taken on the draft budget in this special meeting; the presentation was framed as a preview ahead of Monday’s public hearing.
