Preston selectmen review FY2026 budget proposals, flag tabulator, insurance and staffing changes

The Preston Board of Selectmen met Wednesday evening to review proposed spending for fiscal 2026–27, hearing presentations from department leads about modest budget increases and program requests that could affect town services and reserves.

Sandra Allyn-Gauthier, chair of the Preston Board of Selectmen, called the special meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. and the board unanimously approved the Jan. 28, 2026 regular meeting minutes. Finance Director Cindy Varricchio and department representatives then outlined adjustments across municipal accounts.

Registrars told the board that maintenance for newly acquired vote tabulators will raise their budget by about $4,600; the registrars said prior grant funding offset similar costs but indicated future grant availability is uncertain. Insurance and risk-management expenses are governed by a three-year agreement, with FY2026 and FY2027 set at 3% increases; the town’s insurance program is projected to rise by $4,539. Officials noted that CIRMA has historically returned $10,000–$15,000 to the town, but any such payment is not guaranteed.

On public safety, the board was reminded that voters reduced state trooper coverage from two positions to one last year and that the town paid for two troopers in July until budget paperwork was finalized. The resident trooper’s duties include grant pursuit and community programs; given staffing reductions and the state’s cost forecast, the town expects a $6,500 decrease in that line.

Public health costs showed mixed movement: Uncas Health District’s per-capita services are expected to cost the town about $1,600 more, while UFCS—the federal agency that provides health-care and outreach services—requested $40,000 from the town, a decrease of $5,500 from last year. Together with several local providers, the public-health category reflects an overall decrease of approximately $2,900.

Senior Affairs requested a $725 increase; the department used ARPA funds for Senior Center parking and entry repairs and cited a grant that reupholstered 30 chairs. The Youth Service Bureau requested an increase of $1,546; officials said YSB and Parks & Recreation share staff and program responsibilities and that the town receives $21,000 from the state, requiring a local match of roughly $14,000.

Parks & Recreation representative Mark Simmons reviewed 11 community events run last year and said two new events—the Wicked Tulip Picnic and a Carnival—helped the local economy. Excluding staff costs, the department’s budget is flat. Simmons said the department plans to implement a STEAP grant to build a bandstand and three pickleball courts and plans a 12-week farmer’s market funded in part by a small Jewett City Savings Bank grant.

Officials reported debt service is decreasing; this year’s payments are slightly over $19,000. The Zoning Enforcement Officer’s contract with SCOGG ended the grant-supported phased pay-in, leaving Preston responsible for 100% of the ZEO salary; the ZEO requested an increase from 38 to 45 hours per month, which would raise that budget by about $12,600. The Inland Wetlands commission reviewed 16 applications and one public hearing in the past year and seeks a $139 increase to its non-salary budget. The Conservation and Agriculture Commission requested $15,000 for the Open Space Fund, producing a $15,123 increase largely driven by that request. The Ethics Commission asked for a flat $680 budget.

The board discussed a draft Special Revenue Fund Policy for Parks & Recreation accounts, which town staff will present to the Board of Finance on Feb. 19 for review before returning to the Selectmen for approval. Grant updates included an Eastern Regional Tourism Grant award of $9,500 that must be spent by June 15; Mark Simmons said Preston received more than it did last year, though the full $10,000 was not awarded.

During public comment, resident Andy Depta congratulated the Preston Redevelopment Agency on its near-completion work and suggested completing conveyance on July 4. Thomas Wright asked whether compiled data show differences between having one versus two troopers; staff said the data are being compiled but are not yet ready to share. Selectman Jerry Grabarek moved to adjourn at 6:06 P.M.; Sandra Allyn-Gauthier seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The board will continue budget deliberations as part of the regular calendar and review external comments and financial clarifications in subsequent meetings.