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Board advances FY27 budget planning; Bantam Annex costs, ambulance financing and staffing highlighted
Summary
Selectmen agreed to present the FY27 budget to the Board of Finance without the Constable budget, discussed bonding options for the volunteer ambulance building, maintained Pay‑Per‑Call funding at $160,000, and reviewed Bantam Annex operating costs ahead of a voter decision.
The Litchfield Board of Selectmen advanced several budget decisions for fiscal 2027 while flagging facilities and staffing issues for voters and the Board of Finance.
Jeff Zullo, Selectman, reviewed the budget timeline: the Board of Finance holds a public hearing where residents may comment and the Town Meeting may only move to reduce the proposed budget; if the budget is approved, the Board of Finance then sets the mill rate. The board agreed to present the FY27 budget to the Board of Finance without adding the Constable budget item, though the public can request its inclusion at the hearing.
Zullo said Town Treasurer Erich Marriott has consulted Bond Counsel about financing the Litchfield Volunteer Ambulance building and that bonding—estimated at roughly 3.3%–3.5% and tax‑exempt—appears more favorable than the current mortgage rate of 6.1%. The board did not take a final financing vote at the meeting.
Finance staff recommended maintaining Pay‑Per‑Call funding at $160,000, and Stacey Dionne explained staffing changes: the Fire Marshal's Office now has a full‑time administrative position previously shared with the Town Clerk and Finance, and Finance is requesting a full‑time position to handle remaining workload and grant assistance. Dionne also said the 401(a) line now accounts for overtime and double‑time that had been omitted in prior budgets.
Board members discussed the Bantam Annex, noting the $106,000 figure reflects the cost to keep the building open but does not include repair costs. Raap said $67,000 in revenue from the Bantam Post Office offsets part of the expense and that an overall estimated building expense was described as roughly $180,000; the minutes do not itemize all components. Selectmen said a plan and cost details will be presented to voters so they can decide whether to continue funding the building.
The board canceled a scheduled special meeting and rescheduled it for March 10 at 6 p.m.; members also confirmed the next regular meeting will be March 24 rather than March 17.
