Litchfield BOF approves tax suspense lists, $2,000 Sandy Beach transfer and May financial reports

At its June 8 meeting the Litchfield Board of Finance approved routine fiscal items: a motor vehicle suspense list of $12,331.91 and a personal property suspense list of $3,907.63, as presented by Tax Collector Helen Bunnell. Bunnell explained that placing accounts on the suspense list removes them from collectible totals for reporting purposes but does not cancel the underlying tax obligation; delinquent statements continue to be issued.

The board approved Financial Transfer #6 after First Selectman Denise Raap read an email from Sandy Beach Chairman Ed Ryle describing an approximately $3,000 payroll shortfall for the beach commission’s first two pay periods. Raap said the Board of Selectmen had increased the town’s next-year contribution to the commission from $17,133 to $20,000 but that a recent roof repair had depleted operating funds. Litchfield agreed to transfer $2,000 from excess FICA funds (account 01-8101-56103) as a supplemental payment, not an advance on next year’s budget. Jennine Lupo volunteered to participate in a meeting with Morris Board of Finance representatives to review beach finances and rates for non-residents.

Finance Director Amaechi Obi presented the May revenue and expense reports, reporting revenues $330,000 above budget with $120,000 still to collect and roughly $100,000 available under expenditures if spending remains conservative. The board voted to accept the May reports as presented.

Motions throughout the meeting passed unanimously. Chairman Sam Olmstead said he will reach out to the Morris Board of Finance chair for more information on the Sandy Beach proposal. The board also noted that member Matt Dyer has moved away but has not yet filed a resignation; once he does the board will hold a special meeting to appoint a replacement to serve until the next election.