Board hears warning about police overtime and building repair overruns as finance director outlines cost‑saving steps

Interim Finance Director Jason Lathrop told the Windsor Locks Board of Selectmen on Jan. 6 that some departments show surpluses while others face shortfalls, with the Police Department’s overtime expenses running "significantly higher than budgeted" and repairs to the safety complex over budget. He outlined cost‑saving measures the town will pursue to address those pressures.

The board approved routine business including the Dec. 16, 2025 executive and regular meeting minutes and a current‑year tax refund totaling $629.23. Selectman James Cannon moved to approve the refunds and Selectman Jon Savino seconded; both motions carried with all in favor.

During public input, residents raised concerns about transparency and financial oversight at the Police Department. William Rousseau said the Interim Finance Director had mislabelled some budget items and asked what steps the Police Chief planned to take to lower overtime. Selectman Savino said he had given Linda Palmer’s letter to the Police Chief and would deliver a subsequent letter the following day.

The town provided a Schedule A listing refund details: Laurie Addoms ($522.69), Sunita Thapa/KC Surendra ($61.12, vehicle totaled 01/25), and Mary E. Fournier ($45.42), totaling $629.23. The board did not take additional formal budget votes at the meeting but heard Lathrop’s forecast and cost‑saving outline that officials said will inform later budget decisions.

The board convened an executive session to discuss pending litigation (see separate coverage); no fiscal actions were approved in open session. The Selectmen adjourned at 7:18 p.m.