Minutes

Board of Finance - Minutes - Mar 10, 2026

Mar 10, 2026

A public record published by the Town of Simsbury (simsbury-ct.gov). mySimsbury indexes it and makes it readable; it is not the official copy. View the original file.

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Town of Simsbury
Board of Finance
Regular Meeting Minutes
March 10, 2026
Present:
Members in attendance: Lisa Heavner, Lalitha Shivaswamy, Regina Pynn, Mike Doyle, Bert Helfand, and
Art Wallce (by Zoom).
Others in attendance included: Amy Meriwether, Finance Director; Marc Nelson, Town Manager; Wendy
Mackstutis, First Selectman; Matt Curtis, Superintendent of Schools; Neil Sullivan, Assistant
Superintendent for Administration; Jeff Tindall, Board of Education Chair; Melissa Appleby, Budget
Director; Diana Yeisley, Selectman; Kevin Beal, Selectman; Lisa Miceli, Library Director; Nick Boulter,
Chief of Police; and other interested parties.
Call to Order:
Ms. Heavner called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.in the Main Meeting Room in the Simsbury Town
Hall.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Audience:
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, spoke about Board of Education budget increases related to special
education costs, special education mandates, and transferring responsibilities and costs to the state. She also
spoke in favor of the redistricting of schools in order to save on overhead costs.
Lori Boyko, 15 Oakhurst Road, spoke about the Board of Selectmen changes to the Town Manager’s
budget, which resulted in an increase of expenses. She said that reductions should be found to offset the
increases.
Holly McGrath, 2 Old Barge Road, spoke about the Library’s strategic plan, the importance of the Library
to members of the community, and the impact of cuts made to the Library budget for FY27.
Presentation: Board of Education Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Presentation
Ms. Heavner opened by recognizing the work of all parties involved in the budget process so far, and
reviewed the role of the Board of Finance in the process.
Superintendent Matt Curtis presented the Board of Education budget, which represents an increase of
$2.79% or approximately $2.4 million. The presentation included an overview of the budget context,
including the local mill rate history, grand list growth, and the status of reserve funds. Mr. Curtis also
provided an overview of how Simsbury compares with other districts in regards to the per pupil expenditure
amount as well as the proposed percentage increase in expenditures.
Mr. Curtis said that the starting point for the budget development process was an increase of 3.85% or
approximately $3.4 million. He said that the increase is mostly driven by personnel costs, and noted that
special education costs are stabilizing. He said that the budget includes the planned use of reserves in the
Chromebook insurance fund to offset the cost of purchasing Chromebooks.
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Mr. Curtis presented the various reductions to the budget, which totaled approximately $1.1 million. This
included 4.8 certified full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, 1 administrative position, and offsets from a
new special education grant and the use of the non-lapsing fund. Additions to the budget totaled
approximately $212,000 and include 0.6 FTE speech-language pathologist, 0.2 FTE strings teacher, nursing
services at Henry James, a reclassification of a SHS guidance position, and funds for extended school year
planning.
Mr. Curtis explained that late in the budget development process, we learned that the increase to health
insurance costs would be higher than originally anticipated. The impact was a $400,000 increase to
expenditures, which the Board of Education accommodated through the reduction of 2 FTE, the use of the
new special education grant, and use of the non-lapsing fund. He noted that the non-lapsing fund is in a
strong position, even after the planned use of the fund in FY27.
Ms. Meriwether presented the proposed budget for New Path, the new in district special education program
located at 2 Farms Village Road. She compared the budget with the original concept plan, with the primary
difference being an increase in the number of tuition students and fewer Simsbury students being brought
back from their out of district placements. She noted total cost containment for FY27 in the amount of
approximately $26,000. Mr. Wallace asked for an update on the anticipated payback period, which was
anticipated to be five years. Ms. Meriwether said that we are on track. Dr. Shivaswamy asked why there
was a change from the concept plan; Mr. Curtis said that there is more interest from other districts than
anticipated, and that this reflects both the level of need as well as the reputation of Simsbury.
Mr. Doyle said that he was pleased to see the planned use of the non-lapsing fund for FY27, and asked
whether this creates a funding cliff in the following year. Mr. Curtis said that the fund will partially cover
one-time equipment and supplies costs, which will not create a cliff. Dr. Shivaswamy asked if there is a
policy on the use of that fund. Mr. Curtis said there is no formal policy but the BOE approves the use of the
funds and there are reporting requirements.
Ms. Pynn asked about the facilities side of the budget, which appears relatively flat. Mr. Curtis said that
this part of the operating budget is as tight as possible, and noted the types of needs that are covered through
capital non-recurring (CNR). Dr. Shivaswamy asked if the BOE needs anything from this Board regarding
CNR. Mr. Curtis said that the CNR needs and funding are always a challenge, but that funding a bus
through operating rather than CNR in FY27 will help. He also noted a new state grant that will provide
approximately $170,000 for CNR needs.
Ms. Heavner acknowledged changes made to reflect the reduction in student enrollment. She also noted the
Board of Selectmen’s role in helping to cover the escalating special education costs over the last few years.
Ms. Heavner asked about the anticipated annual operating costs to maintain the new proposed track and
turf, and requested a follow up response on this.
Ms. Heavner asked when the Board can expect to see a plan for the renovation of Squadron Line Elementary
School. Mr. Curtis said the BOE has reviewed three options: maintain the current school, renovate as new,
and build new. He said that various options for state reimbursement come into play with each option. He
said the BOE has more work to do and a public conversation will occur regarding a proposed option. He
said the BOE will work with the Board of Selectmen on the plan and proposed timing after working through
the options.
Presentation: Board of Selectmen Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Presentation
First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis presented the Board of Selectmen budget, opening with the First
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Selectman’s budget message. She noted the budget represents a 3.39% in expenditures, and a mill rate
increase of 2.15%. She reviewed the changes made by the BOS to the Town Manager’s proposed budget,
and highlighted the major projects in the proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). She said that the Town
Manager’s budget proposed a contribution to the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association’s ambulance
purchase in the amount of $60,000 and that the BOS increased this to $200,000. She said this should be
moved out of the operating budget and into the CIP, due both to the dollar amount as well as the fact that
the Town may purchase the ambulance outright and lease it to SVAA.
Ms. Mackstutis explained the change in the funding method for smaller capital items and equipment, which
was formerly done through a separate capital non-recurring (CNR) plan. She presented a breakdown of the
small capital items included in the operating budget, which are funded either through the general fund or
the capital reserve fund. She also presented the new vacancy rate in the Police Department, which was
broken out from the standard organization-wide vacancy rate that is budgeted under Operating Transfers.
Ms. Mackstutis reviewed the proposed reallocation of the Business Resource Coordinator position to
provide a half-time in-house resource for economic development, working with the Town Manager and
Planning Director.
Ms. Mackstutis said that the “zero-based budgeting” approach was used for the development of the Library
budget this year, and that this method will be used on a rotating basis in one department each year moving
forward.
Agenda Items:
a) Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Discussion
Mr. Wallace asked how the mill rate increase is only 2.15% if expenses are 2.79% for the BOE and
3.39% for the BOS. Ms. Meriwether said that net expenditures are 2.88%, and grand list growth offsets
the decrease in revenues.
Mr. Wallace asked what happens if we do not hit the projected vacancy rate and whether we are creating
a hole that will need to be filled in future years. Mr. Nelson explained that the rate is based on actual
anticipated departures, along with the typical eight-month hiring timeline for police officers. He said
the plan is to adjust the rate every year based on these projections. Mr. Helfand asked about the
organization-wide vacancy rate, and how the combined figures compare to what was budgeted for the
current year. Mr. Nelson said that the organization-wide rate was decreased when the Police vacancy
rate was broken out separately. Ms. Meriwether said that the total change for both rates, year over year,
is an increase of $232,500.
Dr. Shivaswamy asked for feedback from the Chief of Police and Police Commission on the projected
vacancies. Chief Boulter noted that from 2020-2024, there was a nationwide trend of officers leaving
the profession. He said that Simsbury did not really feel the impact of that, but that starting in 2025
there were several departures, including some unexpected resignations and some retirements. He said
that under normal circumstances, there are roughly two vacancies at any given time. He said that the
Police Department’s selection process is very selective. Mr. Helfand said that the decision we are faced
with is whether to risk creating a cliff in a future year or potentially experience a surplus. Ms. Heavner
said that the high number of vacancies is a one-time event, and therefore the increase in the vacancy
rate should offset a one-time cost. Further discussion ensued regarding whether to budget for two or
three vacancies.
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Ms. Pynn asked Ms. Mackstutis what the BOS did that was similar to the BOE approach of making cuts
to accommodate the increase in health insurance costs. Ms. Mackstutis noted that the BOE has the non-
lapsing fund available to directly offset expenditures. Ms. Pynn said that the BOE also looked at
headcount. Dr. Shivaswamy asked whether the BOS would make a change in their approach after seeing
how the BOE does it. Mr. Nelson noted that there is more room to make cuts in a $90 million budget,
and that the BOE also had vacant positions to cut. Ms. Mackstutis said that the BOS did take a hard
look at cutting a position but ultimately decided not to. Dr. Shivaswamy said that we need to start
looking at the methodology if we’re going to be able to manage large changes such as the health
insurance increase that occurred late in the process. Mr. Nelson said that we should start looking at the
health insurance line item in the same way that we consider debt service, in terms of incorporating
strategies to smooth the impact of annual increases. Ms. Pynn said that the BOS did not try to adjust for
the impact of the health insurance increase, and that the BOF guidance holds even if there is a last-
minute shock.
Ms. Heavner asked about the restructured Business Resource Coordinator/economic development
position, and why the function cannot be fulfilled by the Town Manager. She also asked if the incumbent
does not have enough to do at the Library. Ms. Miceli said that there is a full-time need at the Library
and that service to the public will decrease. Ms. Heavner asked for performance metrics for the position
and asked questions regarding the function of the current position and the job description for the
proposed position. Discussion ensued regarding the role of the Town Manager in managing economic
development initiatives.
Mr. Helfand asked about CNR, specifically where the funds are going that were “loaned” to the fund
Mr. Nelson said that the traditional payback method of funding CNR was prefunded with cash, so no
loan exists. He said that staff has done some historical research on this, and that the original intent was
to build in support from the operating budget for small capital needs without putting pressure on the
mill rate. Dr. Shivaswamy said that the Board needs more information in order to make an informed
decision about this change in approach for funding CNR needs. Mr. Helfand said that he does not
understand the mechanics of it but that he supports the goal. Ms. Heavner noted that the proposed
operating budget relies more on capital reserves than in the past, and that this budget takes a step
backwards in regards to building funding into the operating budget for capital. Mr. Nelson said that the
goal is to eventually have all of the small capital funding built into the operating budget and stop relying
on reserves. Ms. Pynn said that this is a policy change that should not be considered during budget
season.
The Board reviewed the projected balances for the capital reserve fund. Ms. Heavner asked what the
planned use of the fund is. Mr. Nelson said that the plan is to use less and less from the fund every year.
Ms. Heavner said that we need a plan to how to spend down the fund. Discussion ensued regarding how
revenues are budgeted; Mr. Helfand said that the only existing policy that results in a surplus is the tax
collection rate assumption and that he is not aware of any other policies that we are following that are
creating budget surpluses. Mr. Nelson pointed to the underestimation of the vacancy rate, which was
adjusted in this proposed budget. Ms. Heavner said that there is universal standard for the “right”
amount of surplus. She referenced the state of Massachusetts’ recommendation of 3-5%, and noted that
this Board has said 1-3% is appropriate.
Mr. Helfand asked whether management has estimated year over year cost increases associated with
union contracts. Mr. Nelson said yes, and that this information can be provided.
Ms. Pynn left the meeting at 9:22 p.m.
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Ms. Heavner asked for all capital project sheets to include a projected start and end date for the projects.
Dr. Shivaswamy asked for more detail on revenue anticipation bonds, which is a proposed funding
source for a future year project on the CIP. Ms. Meriwether said that our bond advisor could speak to
this.
The Board reviewed the full budget summary to be noticed for the public hearing. Mr. Helfand made a
motion to approve the legal notice, as attached, and set the public hearing for Tuesday, April 7, 2026,
at 6:00 p.m. at the Friends of the Library Program Room at the Simsbury Public Library. Dr.
Shivaswamy seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Heavner made a request that emails received regarding the budget be included in the meeting
minutes.
Review of Minutes:
b) February 17, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
Dr. Shivaswamy made a motion, effective March 10, 2026, to approve the minutes of the February 17,
2026 Regular Meeting. Mr. Doyle seconded the motion. The motion passed with Dr. Shivaswamy,
Mr. Wallace, Mr. Doyle and Ms. Heavner in favor; Mr. Helfand abstained.
Ms. Heavner asked Mr. Nelson if there is there anything of material significance that the Board should
be aware of that has not been disclosed. Mr. Nelson said that management communicates timely
when there is anything of significance to report.
Adjourn:
Dr. Shivaswamy made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Board of Finance at 9:41 p.m.
Mr. Wallace seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Melissa Appleby
Budget Director
Town of Simsbury
933 HOPMEADOW STREET SIMSBURY, CONNECTICUT 06070
LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF
SIMSBURY
SIMSBURY ANNUAL BUDGET AND CAPITAL PROJECT HEARING
The Board of Finance of the Town of Simsbury will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM
at the Friends of the Library Program Room, 725 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Connecticut. Pursuant to Town
Charter Section 808, copies of proposed budget estimates showing anticipated revenues by major sources, and
proposed expenditures by function or departments, and the amount to be raised by taxation for the ensuing fiscal
year are available for general distribution in the office of the Town Clerk and posted on the Town website at
www.simsbury-ct.gov/budget. The proposed annual operating budgets of the Board of Selectmen and Board of
Education and proposed capital improvement projects shall be presented at the hearing. Interested persons will
be heard in regard to any proposed appropriation, and any other business proper to come before said meeting will
be transacted.
BOARD OF FINANCE
Lisa Heavner, Chair
Adopted Proposed
FY2026 FY 2027 Dollar Percentage
Board of Selectmen 29,624,001 30,628,420 1,004,419 3.39%
Debt Service & Capital 9,554,857 9,064,275 (490,582) ‐5.13%
Board of Education 88,261,001 90,708,518 2,447,517 2.77%
Non‐Public School 562,110 594,726 32,616 5.80%
Total Appropriations 128,001,969 130,995,939 2,993,970 2.34%
LESS ESTIMATED NON‐CURRENT YEAR TAX REVENUES 14,964,686 14,434,446 (530,240) ‐3.54%
USE OF RESERVES 1,300,000 1,610,544 310,544 23.89%
BALANCE TO BE RAISED 111,737,283 114,950,949 3,213,666 2.88%
ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET PROJECTED ESTIMATED
REVENUE REVENUE REVENUE REVENUE REVENUE
GENERAL FUND REVENUES FY 2025 12/31/2025 FY 2026 6/30/2026 FY 2027
Property Taxes ‐ Prior Year & Interest & Liens 440,514 306,469 580,000 780,000 680,000
Intergovernmental Revenues & Payments in Lieu of Taxes 7,909,573 2,361,816 8,986,583 9,012,827 8,900,826
Investment Income 2,894,500 1,326,382 1,875,000 1,926,382 1,395,000
Charges for Goods & Services & Misc 1,882,123 1,164,760 1,903,189 1,988,939 2,014,386
Fines & Forfeitures 12,311 4,657 12,400 9,525 12,050
Rental of Town Owned Property 204,102 83,003 172,500 175,500 174,200
Licenses & Permits 1,275,965 541,221 944,600 972,613 945,000
Operating Transfers In (Belden Trust) 28,350 28,930 28,930 28,930 34,930
Operating Transfers In (Capital Project Funds) 458,289 1,486,259 1,486,259 1,486,259 1,743,142
Operating Transfers In (Parks & Rec Fund) ‐ 95,225 95,225 95,225 85,456
Operating Transfers In (Social Services Special Revenue Fund) ‐ 180,000 180,000 180,000 60,000
Total General Fund Revenue Budget 15,105,727 7,578,722 16,264,686 16,656,200 16,044,990
FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2026 FY 2026 FY 2027
GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES BY FUNCTION ACTUAL 12/31/2025 BUDGET 6/30/2026 PROPOSED
General Government 1,780,003 893,614 1,788,653 1,781,100 1,772,596
Financial Services & Information Technology 1,819,963 913,678 1,859,754 1,835,679 2,083,226
Planning & Development 773,387 470,812 873,079 865,584 912,306
Public Safety 6,493,705 3,270,466 6,926,706 6,602,653 7,455,298
Public Works & Engineering 5,181,861 2,341,608 5,201,164 5,192,888 5,744,128
Health and Social Services 889,790 427,169 913,147 908,804 955,236
Parks and Recreation & Library 3,018,467 1,512,160 3,203,326 3,160,426 3,515,338
Fringe Benefits & Liability Insurance 7,329,847 5,536,276 8,349,684 8,257,138 8,196,546
Operating Transfers 3,601,995 593,995 508,488 593,995 (6,254)
Total Board of Selectmen Operating Budget 30,889,018 15,959,778 29,624,001 29,198,267 30,628,420
Debt Service 8,032,550 1,659,163 9,554,857 9,159,625 9,064,275
Education 85,689,219 40,201,496 88,823,111 88,823,111 91,303,244
Total General Fund Budget 124,610,787 57,820,437 128,001,969 127,181,003 130,995,939
ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET PROJECTED ESTIMATED
REVENUE REVENUE REVENUE REVENUE REVENUE
SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS ‐ REVENUES FY 2025 12/31/2025 FY 2026 6/30/2026 FY 2027
Water Pollution Control Fund
Total Water Pollution Control Fund 4,859,616 3,843,962 4,473,402 4,946,255 4,460,995
Residential Property Fund
Rental of Town Owned Property 99,981 30,840 97,000 87,000 87,000
Simsbury Farms Complex
Total Simsbury Farms Complex 2,842,585 1,347,541 3,274,822 3,049,355 3,329,940
Total Special Revenue Funds 7,802,182 5,222,343 7,845,224 8,082,610 7,877,935
FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2026 FY 2026 FY 2027
SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS ‐ EXPENDITURES ACTUAL 12/31/2025 BUDGET 6/30/2026 PROPOSED
Water Pollution Control Fund
Total Water Pollution Control Requests 4,571,859 3,027,539 5,082,546 4,804,712 5,914,158
Residential Property Fund
Total Residential Properties 38,121 45,443 53,850 60,796 425,450
Simsbury Farms Complex
Total Simsbury Farms Complex 2,726,913 1,409,798 2,953,495 2,722,744 3,032,783
Total Special Revenue Funds 7,336,893 4,482,780 8,089,891 7,588,252 9,372,391
Change
BUDGET SUMMARY
FY2027 CAPITAL Requested General
& NONRECURRING FUND BUDGET 22/23 23/24 24/25 25/26 26/27 Fund
BOARD OF EDUCATION
BOARD OF EDUCATION TOTAL 550,300 550,300 550,300 550,300 500,300 500,300
TOTAL CAPITAL & NON‐RECURRING 550,300 550,300 550,300 550,300 500,300 500,300
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FY 2027
Financing
SHS Turf & Track Resurfacing 2,200,000$ Bonds
District Flooring Improvements 250,000$ Bonds
District Security Improvements 350,000$ Bonds
Greenway Improvements 150,000$ Cash
Irrigation Replacement ‐ Various Fields & Parks 150,000$ Cash
Simsbury Farms Golf Course Clubhouse Reno and Expansion 40,000$ Cash
Simsbury Farms Pool ‐ Plaster Replacement 170,000$ Cash
Maintenance of Neighborhood Paths and Connecting Trails 380,000$ Bonds
Roof Repairs (Town Hall, Eno Hall and Library) 825,000$ Bonds
Historic Building Restoration 171,000$ Cash
Highway Street Sweeper 345,000$ Grants/Cash
Sidewalk Reconstruction 251,325$ Cash
Highway Pavement Management 1,800,000$ Bonds/Grants
Rental Buildings Exterior Repairs 341,600$ Cash
Security and Fire Alarm Upgrades 550,000$ Bonds
Wheeled Excavator 235,000$ Grants
Air Ventilation System (Highway Garage) 38,000$ Grants
Cold Storage Building 95,000$ Cash
Intersection and Roadway Safety Improvements 125,000$ Cash
Drainage Improvements 150,000$ Cash
Aeration System Energy Improvements 75,000$ Sewer Use
Influent Pump 275,000$ Sewer Use
On Site Waste Recovery System 575,000$ Sewer Use
TOTAL PROPOSED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS 9,541,925$
FY2027
Charge‐Back Against
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Meriwether Amy
From: Contact form at simsburyct <cmsmailer@civicplus.com>
Sent: Friday, March 6, 2026 1:23 PM
To: Meriwether Amy
Subject: [simsburyct] Simsbury Public Library budget (Sent by Donald Heymann,
don@donheymann.com)
Hello Board of Finance,
Donald Heymann (don@donheymann.com) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.simsbury-
ct.gov/user/11911/contact) at simsburyct.
If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.simsbury-
ct.gov/user/11911/edit.
Message:
As a member of the Simsbury Public Library's board of trustees, I'm writing to show my support for the proposed library
budget. The library, like all town organizations these days, must deal with budget cuts, but I urge the BOF to hold off on
any further cuts it may be considering. Our great library is, arguably, the most important social/cultural/educational
institution in Simsbury, providing a depth of services to residents, from toddlers to seniors. It's great because it has the
capacity to serve so many in profound ways. Let's not put the Library's capabilities and services in jeopardy. Please
protect this vital community institution. Thank you.
March 9, 2026
Dear Madam Chair Lisa Heavner and Distinguished Members of the Board of Finance:
I am writing to request that you fully fund the Simsbury Public Library budget as passed by the
Board of Selectmen. Our Library is a high performer because of the careful budget planning and
use of resources and the dedication of its staff and their ability to develop and maintain active
partnerships in the community and the region. We are proud of the level of engagement and use
of the Library by our community members and are committed to growing our reach and service
to all.
We understand the need to cut costs as the Town faces limited grand growth, rising costs and
contractual responsibilities. After completing an exhaustive review of all Library expenses
through the zero based budgeting process, it was determined that the Library operates extremely
efficiently. The cuts to the materials budget ($23000) will have a detrimental impact on the
quality of our collection and we will work to have this funding restored in the coming year.
It is also difficult to reduce the BCC position to 50%, but we remain optimistic that Simsbury
will be served by sharing this position with Town Hall for the purpose of economic development
which aligns with the fourth goal of our current strategic plan; “Simsbury Library supports a
thriving economy with informaƟon, tools and connecƟons to promote businesses, nonprofits
and careers.”
The Simsbury Library is well-loved and much appreciated by all because of its dedicaƟon to
serving an inclusive community that values exploraƟon and connecƟon through learning. Let us
acknowledge the efforts of our high performing Library staff and fully fund the Library budget.
Sincerely,
Holly McGrath
Chair, Library Board of Trustees
1
Meriwether Amy
From: Contact form at simsburyct <cmsmailer@civicplus.com>
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 9:14 PM
To: Meriwether Amy
Subject: [simsburyct] Support for the Simsbury Public Library Budget (Sent by Laurie Shinaman,
laurie.shepard@gmail.com)
Hello Board of Finance,
Laurie Shinaman (laurie.shepard@gmail.com) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.simsbury-
ct.gov/user/11911/contact) at simsburyct.
If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.simsbury-
ct.gov/user/11911/edit.
Message:
Dear Members of the Simsbury Board of Finance,
Libraries play a unique and vital role in a community. They are one of the few places where everyone who walks through
the doors is treated equally and welcomed without barriers. Regardless of age, income, background, or circumstance,
the library provides access to knowledge, technology, opportunity, and community connection. It is a cornerstone of
civic life and a resource that strengthens the entire town.
For that reason, I am writing ahead of tomorrow evening’s meeting, when the Simsbury Board of Selectmen will present
their budget, to respectfully ask that the proposed library budget be approved as presented without further reductions.
While I appreciate the difficult decisions that come with budget planning, I am disappointed that the library budget has
already required reductions. In particular, cuts to the materials budget can be especially detrimental. The materials
budget funds the books, digital content, databases, and other circulating resources that residents rely on every day.
When this area is reduced, the impact is felt immediately by patrons, and it can take years for a collection to recover
from those losses. Maintaining a strong and current collection is essential to the library’s ability to serve the community
effectively.
The proposed library budget was developed using a thoughtful zero-based approach and already includes several
significant adjustments from the current fiscal year. These include sharing the Business and Career Center Coordinator
position half-time with the Town Manager’s Office to support economic development efforts, reducing the materials
budget by just over $23,000, reducing library hours by two hours per week by closing at 8:00 PM instead of 8:30 PM
Monday through Thursday, reducing the programming budget following an in-house program analysis conducted by
Head of Children’s Services Stephanie Prato, and including a salary increase for the Head of Children’s Services/Deputy
Director position.
I would especially like to highlight the importance of the Business and Career Center Coordinator role. In a challenging
economic climate, this position represents a critical resource for residents seeking employment, career transitions, small
business support, and workforce development guidance. Making this role part-time will inevitably create gaps that other
library staff and departments will need to fill, creating a domino effect that stretches already limited capacity.
Maintaining the strength of this program is an investment in the economic wellbeing of our residents and local
businesses.
2
The library has clearly taken a thoughtful and responsible approach to its budget, identifying efficiencies and reductions
where possible while still striving to maintain essential services. Additional cuts would only make it more difficult for the
library to meet the needs of the Simsbury community.
I respectfully ask that the Simsbury Board of Finance support the work already done and approve the budget as
presented.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued commitment to the residents of Simsbury.
Sincerely,
Laurie Shinaman
1
Meriwether Amy
From: cmsmailer@civicplus.com on behalf of Contact form at simsburyct
<cmsmailer@civicplus.com>
Sent: Friday, March 6, 2026 2:31 PM
To: Meriwether Amy
Subject: [simsburyct] Support for the Library Budget (Sent by Marianne O’Neil,
mareoneil@yahoo.com)
Attachments: library_comparison_date_24-25.docx
Hello Board of Finance,
Marianne O’Neil (mareoneil@yahoo.com) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.simsbury-
ct.gov/user/11911/contact) at simsburyct.
If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.simsbury-
ct.gov/user/11911/edit.
Message:
I would like to thank the Board of Finance for their past and continuing support of the Simsbury Public Library. I would
ask for your continued support for the Library budget for FY27. The Library is an exceptional resource for the Town of
Simsbury. It supports all our residents from infants to our Senior citizens. It is an active partner with all Town
departments, developing programs with the Senior Center, Social Services and many others. The metrics show what a
well run cost effective department it is, as demonstrated by the results of the deep dive into its budget through the zero
based budgeting process. The Library has a circulation rate of over 18.2 items checked out per resident in the past year.
This was the second highest per capital figure in Connecticut, surpassed only by Darien. Its material spending, however,
was 47th in the state. The attached document demonstrates how well the Library performs in all areas.
Thank you for all the work you do and hours you contribute as members of the Board of Finance.
Library Comparative Data Fiscal Year 2024-2025
Simsbury Avon Cheshire Farmington Glastonbury
Resident
Cardholder % 55% 41% 34% 35% 37%
Library Visits
Per Capita 12.8 6.9 5.7 5.2 5.2
Items
Circulated
Per Capita
18.2 14.9 10.3 11.9 11.6
Material
Expenditure
Per Capita
$8.84 $10.64 $5.26 $6.79 $8.30
Total
# of Programs 1,247 994 547 970 642
Program
Attendance
Per Capita
1.47 1.66
.
.56 .85 .52
Municipal
Appropriation
Per Capita
$74.38 $89.18 $105.54 $63.16 $56.09
FTE Per 1,000
Population
.67 .86 .25 .46 .49