Selectmen approve rotating check-review process and authorize animal control vehicle purchase; speed-camera allocation tabled

At the June 16 meeting the Marlborough Board of Selectmen agreed on internal controls for check review, authorized a capped vehicle purchase for animal control use and tabled a proposal to allocate speed-camera funds.

Ms. Susan McFarland proposed adding herself and Mr. Bratz to the check-signing process and the board agreed to institute a rotation for Selectmen to review bills and checks prior to payment. Town Manager David Porter clarified who oversees check signing and recommended the rotation be used to review bills before they are sent for payment.

On unfinished business, the board tabled consideration of allocating speed-camera funds toward a DPW dump truck to the July 21, 2026 meeting; the motion carried 4–1 with Mr. Asklar voting no. The board also discussed regional approaches to animal control; Porter said partnering with Glastonbury was an option but East Haddam did not wish to partner. The board authorized the Town Manager to purchase a vehicle for the Animal Control Officer and other town employees for up to $12,500 through auction or other appropriate channels; the motion carried unanimously. Porter noted the purchase would offset mileage reimbursements currently paid to employees using personal vehicles.

Why it matters: the check-review rotation affects internal fiscal controls; the vehicle purchase decision addresses operational needs for animal control and other staff; tabling the speed-camera allocation postpones a decision on a potentially significant equipment purchase funded by enforcement revenue.

What’s next: speed-camera fund allocation will be revisited July 21; Town Manager will investigate cell tower questions, Park Road repaving with CT Water, and report back to the board.