Controller reports steady revenues; council approves grants, personnel changes and veteran tax-exemption resolution

Controller Helen reported that tax collections through January were consistent with the prior year and that late deposits will be reflected in the next report; she cited a $159,000,000 figure for collections as of the report date and said additional deposits of several million will be recorded later. She said building permit fees are at about 89% of budget and conveyance taxes were at roughly 134% of expectations, helping the city’s revenue picture. Helen also reported grand-list growth projected to bring approximately $2.2 million in new revenue for the next fiscal year.

On expenditures, the controller noted an estimate of roughly $200,000 in additional snow-removal costs so far this season and previewed Capital Improvement Committee review and upcoming budget hearings beginning Feb. 24.

The council approved several personnel and budget-related measures: a registrar of voters' salary increase from $50,862 to $65,000 effective Jan. 6, 2027 (referred to Board of Finance); an amendment to the personnel policy to add a sick-leave donation option for nonbargaining full-time employees; and multiple small grants and grant applications, including up to $7,000 to the Main Street Community Foundation for police cadet radios, $25,000 to AARP for a parking-lot renovation at the Douglas Beals Community Center, $5,000 to Main Street for personal-care supplies for seniors, and acceptance of Connecticut State Library summer-enrichment funds.

On agenda item 10, the council passed a resolution to provide additional tax exemptions for military veterans and surviving spouses under Conn. Gen. Stat. §12-81; the acting town and city clerk conducted a roll-call portion reported in the transcript with unanimous recorded "Yes" votes and the resolution passed.

Each motion on financial or personnel items was presented, seconded, and approved by voice vote as recorded in the meeting transcript.