Harwinton Board of Finance forwards $8.35 million recommended budget; approves library staffing and line items

Chairman Peter B. Thierry called the Harwinton Board of Finance meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. on April 2. The board approved the minutes of March 26, 2026, on a motion by John Fredsall and a second by Bob Barry.

The meeting’s substantive work centered on the 2026–2027 Selectman’s budget. The board reached consensus to fund the library director position at $75,000 and to fund the adult librarian and children’s librarian positions at $55,914 each, contingent on union approval. The board also agreed to fund downloadable materials at $9,900. Library Director Alice Freiler was listed among participants during the discussion.

Following that discussion, Board member Sandy Davis moved to approve Selectman’s budget line 1065 at $240,369; Eric Niedmann seconded the motion and the board voted "All in favor." Davis then moved to approve line 2040 at $183,794, seconded by Bob Barry; that motion passed "All in favor." Davis moved again to approve line 2090 at $489,000, seconded by John Fredsall; the board approved that motion "All in favor." These approvals were recorded as motions during the meeting.

Chairman Thierry announced that a recommended Town Budget of $8,349,592 will be forwarded to the Budget Hearing scheduled for April 9. Under old business the board noted that papers related to the Locust Road water line are expected to be signed soon. No new business, supplementals, invoices, or correspondence were reported.

A motion to adjourn was made by John Fredsall, seconded by Sandy Davis; the meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.

The board will present the recommended budget at the April 9 Budget Hearing.