Board lays out budget workshop schedule; BOE seeks $1 million increase in supervisory district budget

The Deep River Board of Finance on Jan. 6 approved a schedule of budget workshops for the FY 202627s budget process and reviewed year-end and ongoing budget issues.

Proposed workshop dates include Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 17, March 3, March 10, March 17 and March 31; the schedule will be published with the Town Clerk. The board intends to meet individually with board and commission chairs rather than holding a single formal joint meeting and said it aims to align financial messaging with the Board of Education.

Board members noted that the Supervisory Board of Education submitted a budget request that includes a proposed $1 million increase, including funds to add five special-education professionals with recurring annual costs estimated at roughly $500,000; the BOE request totals approximately $17.5 million.

On the FY 202526#8211;26 review, the board discussed a typical $100,000 WPCA debt reimbursement that is often billed in February but paid later in the year, sewer-fund debt scheduled in April, municipal grants totaling $104,136 expected in June, and insurance and bonds budgeted at $127,000 while actual costs were about $132,000. Vehicle maintenance was reported over budget due to previously approved work. The Health District billing of $50,000 (96% paid) was noted. The board plans a $387,000 transfer to capital from the General Fund and scheduled a review of uncollected taxes for March 10.

Auditors are scheduled to begin work at the end of February on FY 202426#8211;25 year-end financials; that audit will be conducted in-house.