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Board debates whether $189,000 transfer for South Road culvert requires Town Meeting
Summary
Board member Ken Hjulstrom said the April 17 transfer process “does not align with the Town Charter,” while Mr. Porter said the town attorney advised that a Town Meeting is the appropriate procedure; the transfer was discussed as part of applying for a CTDOT grant that would cover 75% of the project if approved.
At the April 20 meeting the Marlborough Board of Finance revisited an April 17 discussion about transferring $189,000 to pursue a Connecticut Department of Transportation grant for the South Road culvert project.
Board members noted the grant would cover 75% of the project cost if CTDOT approves the application. The minutes record that the board considered two funding routes: if funds are taken from a Reserve account, the item must be put before a Town Meeting; if funds come from the unassigned fund balance, only a public hearing is required.
Member Ken Hjulstrom objected to the process, stating that “this process does not align with the Town Charter.” Mr. Porter responded that “the town attorney advised that a Town Meeting is the appropriate procedure.” The board did not record a final vote on the transfer during the segment; members agreed to add the topic to the agenda for discussion and to seek clarity on procedural requirements.
The exchange highlights a procedural question about whether the town should route the transfer through a Town Meeting or rely on a public hearing depending on the funding source. The record shows the board did not complete a final transfer action on April 20; further action would depend on whether funds are designated from a reserve or from the unassigned fund balance and on legal guidance regarding the charter.
