North Canaan board hears school and municipal budget updates; Selectman calls municipal budget final

The North Canaan Board of Finance on April 20, 2026, reviewed updates to the NCES school budget and the town's municipal budget during a public hearing called to order by Chairman Doug Humes at 7:00 p.m.

Principal Beth Johnson said the NCES school budget had "no changes since the last meeting," and First Selectman Jesse Bunce told the board the municipal budget likewise had "no changes since the last meeting" and that "this is the final budget." The hearing lasted roughly six minutes and included questions from a resident about several line items.

Resident Cheryl Duntz asked whether healthcare costs had gone down. First Selectman Jesse Bunce said that although there was "a rise in percentage," the town "was able to keep the line steady with 1 less employee." When Duntz asked whether payroll taxes increased or decreased, Bunce said they "stayed the same with the same number of employees," and Treasurer Melanie Neely added that both categories have buffers built in for new employees.

Duntz also asked whether the Zoning Enforcement Officer was getting a raise. Bunce said the officer is working fewer hours so the budget line remains unchanged and that "a raise would be about 3 or 4 percent, but they have not discussed it yet." When Duntz pressed whether the budget under review was final despite some items not yet discussed, Bunce replied, "this is the final budget."

Chairman Doug Humes asked for any further comments and, hearing none, moved to close the public hearing. Mr. Chris Sorrell seconded the motion; the motion carried. The board recorded the hearing as closed at 7:06 p.m. Humes announced the next Board of Finance meeting is set for May 6, the high school budget vote is scheduled for May 5, and if that vote passes the Board of Selectmen will set a town meeting with a tentative date of May 13.

The hearing record was signed by Recording Secretary Ayrslea A Odell.