Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Canaan Board of Finance forwards school and town budgets to public hearing; municipal budget up $36,893
Summary
At its April 8 meeting the North Canaan Board of Finance voted to send the North Canaan Elementary School budget and the municipal budget, which shows a net increase of $36,893, to a public hearing April 20. The board accepted routine financial reports and urged residents to press state officials on regional waste (MIRA) issues.
The North Canaan Board of Finance voted on April 8 to send the North Canaan Elementary School (NCES) budget and the town’s municipal budget to a public hearing set for April 20, 2026.
Chairman Douglas Humes asked Principal Johnson whether the NCES budget could be reduced by 1 percent; Principal Johnson said the only way to reach that reduction would be to cut personnel. Board member John Jacquier said he reviewed the school numbers and found the increase is driven mainly by insurance costs. Christian Allyn moved to send the NCES budget to the public hearing; Jacquier seconded and the motion carried.
The board also reviewed municipal budget adjustments presented by Selectman Bunce and Treasurer Melanie Neeley. Treasurer Neeley said recent line-item changes produced a net increase of $36,893. Bryan Johnson questioned transfer-station salary accounting after his calculations suggested an 8 percent rise versus the 4 percent figure presented; Neeley explained that time-off allocations were separated from base salary in the current accounting and suggested better itemization of positions next year. The board also discussed limits on paid-time-off carryover and the possibility of cost-sharing health insurance for new employees while grandfathering current staff. A letter was shared informing the board that the resident trooper will receive a 2.5 percent pay increase under the existing contract, which has one year remaining.
Christian Allyn moved to send the municipal budget to the public hearing; Bryan Johnson seconded and the motion carried. Treasurer Neeley distributed mil rate sheets and explained the town’s preference for avoiding a large surplus.
Chairman Humes told the meeting that the town’s garbage situation and the regional MIRA issue remain unresolved and urged residents to contact state legislators to press for action.
The board also handled routine business: Christian Allyn moved and Chris Sorrell seconded acceptance of the Tax Collector report; John Jacquier moved and Christian Allyn seconded acceptance of the Treasurer report. Both motions were carried. Chris Sorrell moved to adjourn at 7:34 p.m.; Bryan Johnson seconded and the motion carried.
Copies of the budgets will be available online and in person beginning April 13 ahead of the April 20 public hearing.
