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Sterling Board of Finance sets 2026-27 mill rate at 21.94 and approves transfer of $33,551.82 in uncollected taxes
Summary
At a May 13 special meeting the Sterling Board of Finance set the 2026-2027 mill rate at 21.94, approved moving $33,551.82 of unpaid taxes to the suspense tax book and voted to forward a $51,000 audit RFP from King & King to the Board of Selectmen for execution.
Chairman Robert Salisbury called the Sterling Board of Finance special meeting to order at 7:58 p.m. on May 13 at the Sterling Municipal Building gym. The board confirmed that the proposed FY 2026-2027 budgets for the Board of Education, the Board of Selectmen and the local capital improvement plan had been approved by town vote, so no further action was required on those items.
Board member James Molodich moved to set the 2026-2027 mill rate at 21.94. The motion was seconded by David Malo and adopted by a voice vote of 6-0. The board did not discuss alternative mill rates during the meeting.
The board approved the minutes for the April 8, 2026 regular meeting and the April 29, 2026 public hearing and special meeting after a motion by David Malo and a second by Peter Rabbitt; that motion passed by voice vote, 6-0.
Revenue Collector Judy Stumpo reported $33,551.82 in uncollected taxes for FY 2025-2026, noting that demand letters had been sent and that several property owners could not be located. Stumpo said, as a last resort, those accounts may be referred to a collection agency. Board member David Malo moved to approve the suspense list and transfer the uncollected balances to the suspense tax book; Tracie Adams seconded and the motion carried 6-0.
On procurement, the board reviewed one response to the audit request for proposals from King & King, which proposed a $51,000 fee and a three-year plan with the option to extend. Peter Rabbitt moved to pursue the King & King RFP and forward the matter to the Board of Selectmen for execution; Neil Delmonico seconded and the motion passed by voice vote, 6-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m. after a motion by Peter Rabbitt and a second by James Molodich.
Votes at a glance - Set mill rate for FY 2026-2027 to 21.94: Motion by James Molodich; seconded by David Malo; voice vote 6-0; outcome: approved. - Approve April 8 and April 29 minutes: Motion by David Malo; seconded by Peter Rabbitt; voice vote 6-0; outcome: approved. - Transfer $33,551.82 in uncollected taxes to suspense tax book: Motion by David Malo; seconded by Tracie Adams; voice vote 6-0; outcome: approved. - Pursue audit RFP from King & King ($51,000) and forward to Board of Selectmen for execution: Motion by Peter Rabbitt; seconded by Neil Delmonico; voice vote 6-0; outcome: approved.
The board said a treasurer's cover sheet will be added to future general fund budget reports to clarify report columns. The meeting record shows members present were Chairman Robert Salisbury; Vice Chair Neil Delmonico; and board members Peter Rabbitt, Tracie Adams, James Molodich and David Malo. Also present were Revenue Collector Judy Stumpo, Sara Sleboda and Recording Secretary Melissa J. Bradley.
