Woodbridge board hears $63,301 projected shortfall as police contract, lost rental income strain budget

Anthony Genovese, the town’s Administrative Officer and Finance Director, told the Board of Finance on Jan. 15 that the town projects a $63,301 operating deficit for the current fiscal year and a year-end decrease to fund balance of $863,301 because the adopted budget assumes an $800,000 use of fund balance.

Genovese reported the town’s estimated fund balance at June 30, 2026 would be about $8.97 million, or roughly 14.6% of annual expenses. He identified several revenue and expense pressures that together produce the shortfall.

On the revenue side, Genovese said the town expects a $60,000 loss in rental income tied to the Woodbridge Child Center, a $70,000 shortfall in transfer-station fees and about $10,000 less in senior-program fees. The Woodbridge Board of Education also received a $69,373 payment from the City of New Haven for prior-year education costs that the town will recognize as revenue in the current fiscal year; the town additionally anticipates $10,000 in tuition revenue from a BOE staff member.

On expenses, Genovese cited an estimated $18,000 electricity shortfall for the Center Building, primarily attributable to air-conditioning added to the gym last summer. He also said the recently approved police collective bargaining agreement through June 30, 2028 will create roughly $280,000 in retroactive pay and wage adjustments. Genovese recommended using contingency funding and an Amity surplus to cover the police shortfall.

Board members noted the potential offset from Amity Regional School District’s reported surplus, which the board was told will reduce the March 2026 regional payment by an estimated $305,000. Board members did not vote on any new revenue or expenditure changes during the meeting.

The board received Genovese’s report as information and may consider follow-up recommendations or budget adjustments at a future meeting.