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Middlebury boards add $15,000 to contingency amid debate over POCD funding
Summary
After weeks of discussion, Middlebury’s selectmen and finance board voted to add $15,000 to the contingency fund as a compromise while officials determine how to fund a long-overdue Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD).
First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr and the Board of Finance debated whether to use part of a $152,000 fire-engine reserve to restore funding for the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) at a joint meeting on April 7.
Mahr told boards that some of the reserve set aside for a first lease payment could be applied to the POCD and that the town is currently out of compliance for not having an updated plan. She cited an $80,000–$100,000 estimate for a new POCD from the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments and said NVCOG can help with an RFP but is currently backlogged. "The lease payment for the fire truck is not included on the revenue side of the budget because we forgot to move it. So, on the expenditures side there is an extra $152,000 to spend," Mahr said, explaining the mechanics of the reserve entry and how it affects the mil rate.
Board member Rita Smith argued that funds placed in a reserve are generally intended for a specific purpose and must be used accordingly unless the Board of Finance reallocated them. CFO Seth Bernstein cautioned about using reserve funds, noting inflationary adjustments and potential auditor scrutiny if funds were charged to a purpose inconsistent with their original designation.
To avoid an immediate reallocation, the boards settled on a compromise: add $15,000 to the contingency fund so money will be available later if Planning & Zoning confirms the need and scope for a POCD. First Selectwoman Mahr made the motion to add $15,000; Selectman Brian Shaban seconded and the motion was approved. A corresponding motion in the Board of Finance (moved by Don Andrews and seconded by Charles Larkin) was unanimously approved.
