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Waterford Board of Finance approves transfers, greenlights Vauxhall Street capital project
Summary
The Board of Finance on Jan. 14 approved a slate of FY26 transfers and appropriations — including $50,000 to start the Vauxhall Street multi‑phased project — and forwarded several items, including IT and police HVAC appropriations, to the Representative Town Meeting for final authorization.
WATERFORD, Conn. — The Waterford Board of Finance on Jan. 14 approved multiple FY26 budget transfers and moved a $50,000 capital appropriation to the Representative Town Meeting to begin the Vauxhall Street multi‑phased project.
Chair Glenn Patterson opened the meeting at 7 p.m. and the board voted unanimously to transfer $10,027 from contingency to line #10130‑51520 (Highway Maintenance) and $14,220 from contingency to line #10130‑51530 (Refuse Collection) to cover employee payouts. "This money will go toward" payouts, Director of Public Works Gary Schneider said, adding operational context about the municipal needs.
The board also moved $25,000 from the Police Department Building HVAC designated line (#20511‑57871) to its appropriated counterpart to fund work on chillers, valves, blowers and air‑volume boxes. "There is another $85,000 earmarked for roof repairs in the near future to the police department," Schneider said; the motion passed 6‑0‑0 and will be forwarded to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) as required.
On the Vauxhall Street proposal, Schneider described the project's scope as widening the road, adding a shoulder and improving drainage. First Selectman Rob Brule said he has discussed funding possibilities with Electric Boat and Emergency Management and noted the section is designated as an emergency evacuation route, increasing the chance of grant support. The board appropriated $50,000 for the Vauxhall Street Multi‑Phased Project (motion passed 6‑0‑0) and forwarded the item to the RTM for final authorization.
Director of Fire Services Chris Haley won two out‑of‑series transfers totaling $10,019 to support vehicle maintenance. Haley told the board that DOT inspections prompted replacement of multiple tires on department vehicles; "the tires on W‑25 will need replacing," he said. The transfers were approved 6‑0‑0.
Information Technology Manager Jeff Robillard asked the board to appropriate $28,168 from designated line #20547‑57882 to purchase Dell computer replacements. Robillard told the board the vendor contacted him on Jan. 9 to say a December quote had risen to $34,000 and could increase again in February. "Due to the change in cost and the process to appropriate money for projects, the delay in the trio of board approvals may cost the town much more money than anticipated," Robillard said. The board approved moving the designated funds to appropriated status and will forward the request to the RTM (6‑0‑0).
The board agreed to move the Emergency Management budget hearing from March 2 to March 11 at the request of Director of Emergency Management Steve Sinagra. Liaison reports noted Police Chief Marc Balestracci is retiring and that the Oswegatchie Fire House Building Committee has released a bid due Feb. 10; the Retirement Commission left the OPEB contribution as recommended; and the Social Services Grant Committee approved most grants but reduced one request from $10,000 to $1,500.
All formal fiscal motions made during the meeting passed by recorded roll or unanimous voice votes and, where required, were forwarded to the RTM for final action. The board adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
