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Residents press Board on library transparency and town facilities
Summary
Two residents urged greater transparency and accountability: Joan Coe raised priorities including pool plans and tennis courts at Henry James Memorial School, and Lori Boyko asked the Board to clarify nearly $100,000 in library spending covered by the Friends of the Simsbury Public Library.
Two residents used the public-audience period to press the Board of Finance on budgeting transparency and town facilities. Joan Coe, of 26 Whitcomb Drive, urged adoption of priority-based budgeting, suggested using artificial intelligence to improve efficiencies, and raised specific facility concerns including the condition of tennis courts at Henry James Memorial School and future plans for Memorial Pool. "Priority-based budgeting and a review of our facilities should be part of long-term planning," Coe said.
Lori Boyko, of 15 Oakhurst Road, presented an analysis of Library expenditures and said nearly $100,000 in expenses had been covered by the Friends of the Simsbury Public Library; she called for clearer accounting and public disclosure of how those funds are reflected in the Town’s budget. The Board and staff acknowledged the concern; Chair Heavner later reminded members that the Library Board of Trustees operates under a separate state statute and that auditors will consider statutory requirements during their review.
