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Sharon boards cite rising utility and insurance costs, agree on quarterly coordination
Summary
At a Jan. 13 joint meeting, Sharon’s finance, selectmen and education leaders identified electricity and health insurance as near-term budget drivers, discussed declining enrollment and teacher-salary step accounting, and agreed that the BOF, BOE chairs and First Selectman will meet next quarter to coordinate budgets.
At a Jan. 13 joint special meeting at Town Hall, leaders of Sharon’s Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen and Board of Education said rising utility and health insurance costs, expected staff turnover and declining enrollment will shape the town’s budget discussions for the coming year.
BOE Chairman Dr. O’Reilly, Vice Chair Hegy Martin and board member Terry Vance outlined the school board’s educational programming and said Connecticut State Department of Education district expectations and recent programming mandates are among the cost drivers the BOE must account for. Dr. O’Reilly said the BOE is reviewing instructional priorities and will follow up on long-term plans for enrollment declines.
“Ms. Fowler said she and Ms. Clare are working with Dr. O’Reilly to present teacher salaries in a simple format that includes step increases,” BOF Vice Chairman Fowler added, describing an effort to make personnel costs easier for all boards to review. SCS Principal Tomkalski summarized instructional priorities and presented a capital plan tied to the school’s needs.
Region 1 Business Manager Sam Herrick told the joint meeting that the Region One budget process anticipates increases in electricity and health insurance costs and that Sharon’s share of the regional budget may change accordingly. Herrick’s presentation framed those expense items as key near-term drivers for the regional budget.
First Selectman Flanagan reviewed the Board of Selectmen’s administrative responsibilities and town capital priorities, and said several long-standing positions will be replaced or revisited in coming budget cycles. Mr. Hecht, speaking for the Board of Finance, outlined the BOF’s role, the town funds and the timeline for setting the mill rate.
Board members discussed whether BOE financial reports could be provided to the BOF monthly rather than quarterly; currently BOS financial reports are provided quarterly. The chairs of the BOF and BOE and the First Selectman agreed to meet next quarter to improve coordination and to explore holding a BOF meeting at the school that could include a facilities tour. Meeting participants also discussed reconvening in July or August after budget work progresses.
The meeting concluded with procedural motions and adjournment at 7:00 p.m.
