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Board of Finance approves closing old projects and returns roughly $191,826 to fund balance
Summary
The finance board unanimously approved two motions to close old projects and transfer $81,826.83 (Fund 03) and $110,000 (Fund 04) back to the general fund; motions passed without recorded dissent and were pitched as restoring funds for taxpayers.
The Willington Board of Finance approved two unanimous motions March 19 to close several long‑dormant capital and operational projects and transfer the remaining balances to the general fund.
Mike (S6), speaking to a memo circulated in advance, listed the projects recommended for closeout and the remaining balances: 030037 GIS Project (balance $10,160.71); 033047 Town Facility Study ($2,476.66); 033058 dog warden truck ($106.69); 033081 public works diesel tank ($1,686); 033088 Village Hill Drainage Phase 2 (balance $60,000); and 033091 winterize Willington Fire Department No. 1 ($7,396.77). Chair (S1) moved to close those projects and transfer $81,826.83 from Fund 03 to Fund 01; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
The board also moved to close CIP projects 2213 (Willington Hill Fire Department design and engineering for 25 Old Farms Road, $100,000) and 2216 (Willington Hill Fire Department survey, $10,000) and to transfer $110,000 from Fund 04 to Fund 01; that motion likewise passed without opposition.
Mike said the closings would let the town show the true fund‑balance available to taxpayers and allow the Board of Finance to consider applying fund balance in the final round of appropriations.
Why it matters: Returning unused project funds to the general fund increases fund‑balance transparency and gives the board a clearer picture of one‑time resources available for budget balancing. The board noted the town’s fund balance remains modest — auditor guidance suggests holding roughly three months of operating reserves — and urged caution about spending one‑time funds on recurring needs.
Next steps: The transfers will be posted to the fund balance and the board will revisit appropriations when the insurance bid and other late numbers are available.
