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Easton Board of Finance approves $20,000 special appropriation for legal costs
Summary
After reviewing legal spending trends, the Easton Board of Finance approved a $20,000 special appropriation to the town legal budget; the motion passed 4-1-1 and board members said the additional funds are expected to carry legal funding through the March budget hearing.
The Easton Board of Finance voted Jan. 6 to approve a $20,000 special appropriation from the undesignated fund balance to the town's legal budget.
Chair Art Laske reviewed prior-year and year‑to‑date legal spending, and said the town faces ongoing legal matters where expenses are likely to continue. Finance Director Chris Neary told the board that roughly $28,000 remained in the FY26 legal account; adding $20,000 would bring available funds to about $48,000, which Neary estimated would likely carry the town through the March 23, 2026 budget public hearing.
"If spending speeds up we can address it in February with an earlier town meeting," Laske said. Laske also said he hopes First Selectman Dan Lent will provide counsel estimates for active cases to improve planning.
Member Josh Bailey opposed the motion, saying the town should have sought prior approval for $150,000 earlier in the process. The motion to appropriate $20,000 was made by Mike Gutowski and seconded by Maureen Williams; the motion carried with four in favor, one opposed (Josh Bailey) and one abstention (Colin Cote).
Board members discussed timing for any further appropriations and noted that if additional legal funds are required they could be requested at the public budget hearing or by an earlier special town meeting.
The board approved the appropriation as a temporary measure to maintain legal spending through the budget hearing process.
