MS4 Subcommittee flags FY25 surplus, plans budget updates; minutes approved

The Chittenden County MS4 Subcommittee met May 6, 2025, and reviewed fiscal-year 2025 expenses, staff said the group spent considerably less than expected and identified roughly $24,000–$30,000 of usable unspent funds.

Dan Albrecht, CCRPC staff, told members he is seeking state approval to use the subcommittee’s tactical basin planning grant to cover staff time tied to subcommittee meeting preparation, attendance and minutes. "I can only provide an estimate, but it is around $30,000 of unspent funds, and some of that is for the survey, so it’s about 24-30k of useable funds," Albrecht said.

Committee members asked whether a formal vote was required to repurpose funds. Annie Costandi noted the memorandum of understanding requires reporting to the group when 75% or more of a line item has been spent and asked whether action was needed. Shayne Geiger said he did not think a vote was required, and Lisa Cicchetti agreed. Albrecht said staff will provide updated FY25 expense details in July and propose any FY26 budget changes at the August meeting.

Procedural business at the start of the meeting included approval of the draft minutes from March 5. Shayne Geiger moved to approve the minutes; Lisa Cicchetti seconded, and the motion carried unanimously with no abstentions.

The committee also affirmed its upcoming meeting schedule for planning purposes; formal budget changes were not made at this meeting and will return to the agenda in later months.

Next steps: staff will update FY25 expenses in July and present proposed FY26 budget adjustments at the committee’s August meeting.