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Essex Selectmen recommend $10.39 million budget for 2026–27, citing health care and trash costs
Summary
The Essex Board of Selectmen voted March 18 to recommend a $10,391,704 FY2026–27 budget, a 3.52% increase driven by salaries, fringe benefits and higher health‑insurance and trash‑removal costs; the recommendation goes next to the Board of Finance.
On March 18, 2026 the Essex Board of Selectmen voted to approve and recommend to the Board of Finance a fiscal year 2026–27 budget request of $10,391,704, a 3.52% increase over the current year. The motion was made by Selectman Bruce Glowac and seconded by First Selectman Norman Needleman; the board voted unanimously in favor.
Finance Director Tracey Celentano and First Selectman Norman Needleman told the board the major budget drivers are salaries, fringe benefits, health care costs, pension obligations, outside service contracts, debt service, support to outside organizations, and capital and sinking‑fund needs. "Health insurance has an 11.50% increase," Celentano read into the record, citing State Comptroller Sean Scanlon and attributing the rise to market trends and increased pharmacy and medical utilization. She also noted two eligible employees have opted out of coverage and one open full‑time replacement will be eligible for insurance.
Selectman Bruce Glowac asked several line‑item questions: the rise in full‑time payroll in the Selectmen’s budget reflects an employee moving from hourly to salaried status; the Central Services part‑time payroll increase stems from step increases for two part‑time employees; and the trash‑removal line rose across town budgets because vendor costs increased. The board also queried vehicle and facility expenses; Celentano said the Fire Marshal vehicle showed higher maintenance and new‑tire costs, and the transfer station line increased because of newly installed internet service and security cameras.
Celentano read emailed budget questions from resident Terry Stewart, noting the Centerbrook Meeting House had expenses of $23,872 as of mid‑March against a $26,750 budget. On technology and software lines she said Quality Data Services (QDS) supports the Tax Collector and Assessor (software, hosting, and tax bill printing/mailing); Verkada licensing covers the town’s security cameras and had previously been paid from ARPA funds; and Carmody Data (CSI) is used by the Health Department to track septic pumping and service pursuant to the town’s Wastewater Management Ordinance.
The board discussed contingency planning and special funds. Celentano said the Board of Finance contingency (Obj 508400) — budgeted at $75,000 — is routinely used for transfers during the fiscal year and to cover department overages generally under $20,000. The town’s share of the regional Animal Control Program was clarified: each participating town (Chester, Deep River, Essex and Westbrook) contributes $43,117, with $3,383 allocated for veterinarian expenses. The Building Department increase from $39,116 (FY24/25 actual) to $82,677 reflects the Building Official’s actual salary. Libraries provide annual IRS Form 990s and audited financial statements to support their budget requests.
With questions addressed, the board approved the recommendation to forward the $10,391,704 budget to the Board of Finance. There were no public comments. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
