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Board assigns $700,000 to non‑lapsing BOE account, approves transfers and sets FY26/27 mill rate at 22.16
Summary
The Board of Finance approved a BOE request to create a $700,000 non‑lapsing account for unspent FY26 BOE operating funds (under CGS §10‑248a), approved several departmental transfers, and recommended a FY26/27 mill rate of 22.16 after RTM adjustments.
At its May 18 meeting the Branford Board of Finance approved a set of budget transfers, a Board of Education fund‑balance resolution and a recommendation to set the fiscal year 2026‑2027 mill rate at 22.16.
Blaize Levitan, chief operating officer for the Branford Board of Education, asked the board to approve a transfer for Shoreline Adult Education moving $15,250 from 'Purchase Services Prof./Tech' to 'Salaries — Certified' ($15,000) and 'Employee Benefits' ($250). The motion to approve was made by Yvette Larrieu, seconded by Deborah Conklin and passed unanimously.
Levitan also requested that the board assign $700,000 of fund balance in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Section 10‑248a to establish a non‑lapsing account for unspent FY2026 BOE operating funds; the minutes state these funds will be used to provide mental health services and substitute staffing through the Board's contracted service provider. Alfred Bertoline moved to approve the resolution, Harry DiAdamo seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Finance Director Kathryn LaBanca presented additional FY26 transfers: a $900 transfer for the Conservation Commission (Advertising to Miscellaneous Expenses), and a contingency transfer totaling $99,431 redistributed across communications, technology acquisitions, other purchased services, repairs & maintenance, equipment rental and supplies. All transfers were approved unanimously.
LaBanca also summarized FY26‑27 budget highlights: the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) recommended two adjustments reducing the Board's recommended spending by $95,000 and an additional capital fund adjustment resulting in a net zero change; the RTM adjustments lowered the Board's recommended mill rate from 22.22 to 22.20. On a motion by Harry DiAdamo, seconded by Yvette Larrieu, the board voted to increase revenue estimates by $221,425 and establish a mill rate of 22.16 for FY26/27; the motion carried unanimously.
First Selectman Joshua Brook thanked the Board, the RTM and staff who worked on the budget. The meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
