Sterling Board of Finance approves $183,335 in unexpected state aid, directs most to school capital account

The Sterling Board of Finance voted unanimously Wednesday to accept $183,335 in unexpected State of Connecticut revenue and to set aside most of the money for school capital improvements. The board placed $126,948 into the Board of Education 2% capital account and directed $56,351 to the town general fund to accrue interest.

Board member David Malo moved to accept and appropriate the funds as proposed; Vice Chair Neil Delmonico seconded. The voice vote was 6-0 in favor. Present for the May 6 special meeting at the Sterling Municipal Building were Chairman Robert Salisbury, Vice Chair Neil Delmonico, Peter Rabbitt, Tracie Adams, James Molodich and David Malo. First Selectman Jack Joslyn and other town officials attended but no separate votes or motions by them are recorded in the minutes.

According to the board's discussion, applying the unexpected revenues to the budget already presented to residents would reduce the mill rate to 21.42, a possible short-term relief for taxpayers. Board members also voiced concern that using the one-time funds now could lead to a significant mill-rate increase in the following year if recurring revenues do not materialize. The minutes list potential uses for the education portion and other capital accounts, including road paving, community contributions and unspecified capital projects.

The motion to accept the funds specified the exact allocations: $126,948 to the Board of Education 2% account for capital improvements and $56,351 to the general fund to accrue interest. The minutes record the voice vote as 6-0 unanimous. After recording the action, Peter Rabbitt moved to adjourn; James Molodich seconded and the meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.

The minutes were signed by Recording Secretary Melissa J. Bradley and filed as the official record of the special meeting.