Minutes

Board of Finance - Minutes - Apr 7, 2026

Apr 7, 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
April 7, 2026
Present:
Members in attendance: Lisa Heavner, Lalitha Shivaswamy, Regina Pynn, Mike Doyle, Bert Helfand, and
Art Wallace.
Others in attendance included: Amy Meriwether, Finance Director; Marc Nelson, Town Manager; Tom
Fitzgerald, Deputy 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; Lisa Miceli, Library Director; Nick Boulter, Chief of Police;
Tom Roy, Director of Public Works; Tom Tyburski, Director of Culture, Parks, and Recreation; Kelsey
Chamberlain, Deputy Finance Director; and other interested parties.
Call to Order:
Ms. Heavner called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.in the Friends of the Library Program Room in the
Simsbury Public Library.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. Heavner opened the meeting by recognizing the work of all parties involved in the budget process so
far, and introduced the Board of Finance members. First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis introduced herself
and recognized Town staff in attendance. Board of Education Chair Jeff Tindall introduced himself and the
members of his Board and BOE staff in attendance.
Mr. Doyle noted that Public Audience is listed on the agenda before the Public Hearing content. Mr. Helfand
made a motion to amend the agenda to move Public Audience after the presentations to be made under the
first agenda item. Dr. Shivaswamy seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed
unanimously.
Agenda Items:
a) Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Operating and Capital Budgets
Ms. Heavner reviewed the Board of Finance presentation. The presentation included a summary of the
estimate mill rate and taxes, based on the budgets passed by the Board of Education and Board of
Selectmen. She presented a mill rate increase of 2.63%, which includes a proposed increase in the Fire
District’s mill rate. Ms. Heavner also reviewed the budget context, including: tax increase history, the
consumer price index of 2.4%, the cost-of-living adjustment of 2.8%, and mill rates and grand lists of
peer communities.
Ms. Heavner reviewed the expenditure summary, including a breakdown by department, and the impact
of debt service and other fixed costs. Ms. Heavner also reviewed the revenue summary, noting a
decrease in non-tax revenue such as investment income. She provided an overview of the grand list
growth trends and projections and noted the increase for FY27 of 0.90%. The presentation also included
a review of the non-general fund budgets, including WPCA, Simsbury Farms, and Residential Property.
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Ms. Heavner reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and discussed the use of reserves in the
debt service plan. She also noted that the budget will use the OPEB trust to pay for retiree benefits. Ms.
Heavner closed with a note of the challenges ahead, including: uncertain federal funding, inflation,
utility costs, and education funding from the state.
Mr. Tindall presented the Board of Education budget, which represents an increase of $2.79%. He
provided an overview of the budget context, and discussed the return on investment with student
achievement. He said that the starting point for the budget development process was an increase of
3.85% or approximately $3.4 million. Through the process, various reductions were made, reducing
the increase by 1.3%. This was offset slight by additions of 0.24%, resulting in the total increase of
2.79%. Mr. Tindall reviewed the budget additions, including: Latimer Lane special education teacher,
0.6 speech and language teacher, funds for pupil services summer planning, 0.2 strings teacher at
Squadron and Tariffville, funds for nursing at HJMS, a reclassification in the high school counseling
office, and additional health aide hours.
Ms. Mackstutis presented the Board of Selectmen budget, opening with the First Selectman’s budget
message, major themes of the budget, and a review of current year accomplishments. She noted the
budget represents a 3.39% in expenditures. She reviewed the revenue assumptions, and discussed the
various budget pressures, including: minimal grand list growth, a decrease in investment income, and
an increase in health insurance.
Ms. Mackstutis presented an overview of the projected budget increases in surrounding towns as
compared with Simsbury. She reviewed the budget highlights, including: support for the Simsbury
Volunteer Ambulance Association, a budgeted increase in the vacancy rate related to the Police
Department, a new in-house economic development resource, and zero-based budgeting at the Library.
She also noted the restructuring of the budgeting mechanism for capital non-recurring (CNR), indicating
that small capital items in the operating budget are funded through the general fund or the capital reserve
fund. She said that the goal is to reduce the use of capital reserves as we more accurately predict year-
end outcomes.
Ms. Mackstutis provided an overview of the CIP, noting that the Board of Finance guidance limits
bonding to $5 million every year or $10 million every two years. She said that this limitation results in
a large category of unfunded projects in years two through six of the CIP.
Ms. Mackstutis noted that the Fire District annual meeting is scheduled for May 11, where taxpayers
can learn more about the Fire District budget.
Public Audience:
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said that government should run like a business, and that expenditures need
to be decreased. She advocated for a ten percent cut across both the operating and capital budgets, and
encouraged residents to vote “no” on the budgets as presented.
Chris Kelly, 10 East Tomstead Road, spoke on behalf of the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association.
He provided an update on the procurement of the new ambulance, noting that the cost is $253,000 and
SVAA has raised approximately $50,000 in donations so far. He explained SVAA’s funding model, with
a focus on how the maximum amount that SVAA can charge for transports is below the actual costs, and
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that Medicaid only reimburses 35 percent of that amount.
Karen Jacob, 9 Red Stone Drive, asked whether we are being impacted by state and federal funding cuts.
Holly McGrath, 2 Old Barge Road, spoke in support of the budget and described the zero-based budgeting
process used at the Library this year.
Novia Gray, 90 Hopbrook Road, asked if the school district is required to provide services to students who
are identified as “gifted and talented.”
Lori Boyko, 15 Oakhurst Road, said that the budgets as presented are unsustainable. She said that there are
areas of the budget that can be cut, noting a few specific examples in both the operating and capital budgets.
Holly McGrath, 2 Old Barge Road, spoke in support of the Neighborhood Paths and Connecting Trails
project in the CIP. She noted that the path from Owens Brook to Henry James Memorial School is
particularly important for kids.
Ms. Heavner asked for input on the question regarding cuts in state and federal funding. Mr. Curtis said that
there are no significant impacts at this time. Ms. Mackstutis said that the Capital Region Council of
Governments has been discussing concerns regarding potential cuts in the area of transportation, which
could impact federal funding for roads.
Ms. Heavner asked the Superintendent to weigh in on the question regarding services for gifted and talented
students. Mr. Curtis said that the district is mandated to set criteria for gifted and talented, but that Simsbury
does not have an identified track for this.
Mr. Doyle made a motion to extend the public hearing to April 21, 2026. Dr. Shivaswamy seconded the
motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.
b) Budget Discussion and Possible Action
Ms. Heavner opened the discussion for comments from Board members. Mr. Wallace said that the
budgets came in at a reasonable level and a strong starting point for review and discussion. Mr. Helfand
recognized the Boards of Education and Selectmen for meeting the Board of Finance guidance, and said
that the level of scrutiny reflects the Board of Finance’s anticipation of challenges in future years,
including the revaluation, which will shift the tax burden from commercial properties to residential
properties. Dr. Shivaswamy said that she greatly values the services in Simsbury, and wants to keep the
Town accepting, open, and fiscally responsible. Ms. Pynn said that the Board’s discussions will focus
on the minutiae of various budgeting mechanisms, and stressed that this detailed review is critical for
the public to understand what they will be voting on. Mr. Doyle encouraged people to vote, noting that
voter turnout at the budget referendum is typically low.
Ms. Heavner asked if the budget complies with the municipal cap; Ms. Meriwether said “yes.” Ms.
Heavner asked Mr. Curtis and Mr. Nelson whether there is anything beyond the current allocations in
the budget that they are aware of that are unfunded. Both said “no.”
Ms. Heavner asked Ms. Meriwether to check in with the investment advisors regarding any change in
anticipated interest rate assumptions. She also said that the Board will anticipate an update on health
insurance claims at the next meeting. Ms. Heavner noted that the capital resolutions were distributed
and need to be reviewed. She requested that the draft operating budget motions and line item detail be
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sent to the Board one week in advance of the next meeting. Ms. Heavner also asked for a
recommendation on how to plan for potential fluctuations in the price of fuel. She also asked that a
motion be included for the assignment of general fund reserves to account for any potential funding cliff
in FY28 related to the use of health insurance reserves in FY27.
Dr. Shivaswamy made a motion to request an advisory opinion and meeting with the Town Attorney to
discuss the general fund traditional payback program. Mr. Helfand seconded the motion. All were in
favor and the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Heavner asked about the Probate line item and the $20,000 reduction made by the Board of
Selectmen. Ms. Appleby explained that while the Board of Selectmen decided to use capital reserves to
fund this one-time expense related to a potential move of office space, the motion inadvertently removed
the $20,000 on the expense side. Ms. Mackstutis confirmed that the intent of the Board of Selectmen
was to include the expense to be funded from the capital reserve fund.
Ms. Heavner asked Mr. Nelson about the legal line item and anticipated expenses for litigation. He
noted that this line item is tight. Ms. Heavner said the Board would look to staff for a recommendation
on this, noting that the Board of Selectmen cut this line item by approximately $40,000.
Ms. Heavner asked Ms. Mackstutis if it is her recommendation to move the funding for the SVAA
ambulance to the CIP. Ms. Mackstutis said that this item would be better suited as a CIP project since
it will be owned by the Town. Ms. Heavner asked about the lease agreement; Mr. Nelson said he is
working on the details of this arrangement with the Town Attorney.
By consensus, the Board agreed that they will move $200,000 from the operating budget to the CIP for
the ambulance purchase. This will be funded by capital reserves. Discussion ensued regarding SVAA’s
fundraising campaign for this project; the total cost of the ambulance is approximately $250,000 and
SVAA has raised approximately $50,000. Ms. Pynn asked for confirmation that the donations being
raised by SVAA to support the ambulance purchase will go exclusively toward this purpose. Mr. Kelly,
on behalf of SVAA, confirmed. Ms. Heavner asked if any additional funds would offset the Town’s
contribution; Mr. Kelly confirmed. Ms. Heavner asked for details on how the ambulance will be
purchased; Mr. Nelson said he is working on the details of this arrangement with the Town Attorney.
Ms. Mackstutis clarified that in regards to the $160,000 in operating support for SVAA, $100,000 will
come from capital reserves and $60,000 will come from the opioid funds.
Ms. Heavner asked Mr. Nelson if a supplemental appropriation will be needed if the Police Department
does not meet the projected vacancy rate amount. Mr. Nelson said that management has control over
the timing of hiring staff, and can also find other savings to stay within budget if the vacancy rate is not
met.
Mr. Nelson thanked the Library staff and Board of Trustees for participating in zero-based budgeting.
Review of Minutes:
c) March 10, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
Dr. Shivaswamy made a motion, effective April 7, 2026, to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2026
Regular Meeting. Mr. Helfand seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed
unanimously.
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Communications:
d) Resident Public Comments on the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget
e) Fiducient Advisors February 2026 Market Review
f) Moody’s Credit Rating Profile for the Town of Simsbury
Ms. Meriwether said that this report is a town profile that comes out from Moody’s each year and shows
certain credit metrics. She said that it indicates that we are at or above other Aaa-rated communities in
regards to key indicators. The only metric that we come in lower than the median is the available fund
balance ratio; this is due to the fact that the comparisons are made on a national level, and because we
have the ability to tax as necessary, the metric does not negatively impact our credit rating. Ms. Heavner
reiterated that Simsbury is rated Aaa, and this is important because it has a positive impact on our
borrowing costs, which impacts our debt service line item.
Adjourn:
Mr. Doyle made a motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Board of Finance at 7:55 p.m. Dr.
Shivaswamy seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Melissa Appleby
Budget Director
Dear Ms. Heavner,
I am writing to you as a concerned constituent and a regular library patron who relies on our
local library for access to books, classes, technology, and community resources. I urge you to
oppose any further cuts to our town public library funding.
This institution is essential to education, personal growth, and the overall well-being of our
community. The library has played a significant role in my life and the lives of many others in our
community.
Thirty-five years ago my husband and I looked for a community to make our home and raise our
children. We knew that the school district was excellent, but we could not tour the schools at
that time. However we visited the town and realized that the public library told the story of this
town’s excellence.
We toured the library and saw a wonderful community center where children were learning,
teens were involved, and classes for everyone were offered. People were attending a free
concert, viewing an art exhibit, and business/technology classes were helping residents learn
new skills.
Whether it’s checking out books, attending educational programs, using free Wi-Fi, or bringing
my children to storytime, the library is an invaluable resource that we depended on as a family
regularly. Now that we are retired, we continue to benefit from the programs and resources of
our public library.
The recent reductions made by the Board of Selectmen to library staff, funding for books, and
reduction of library hours will affect residents across the library services. Limiting funding for
public libraries has a devastating impact on people in our town as it serves so many. Did you
know that our community library has many more patrons than our surrounding towns?
The BOS cut library services for town residents. It will mean fewer books and resources,
reduced programming for children and adults, and limited access to technology for those who
don’t have it at home. Many people depend on the library for job searching, resume building,
and online learning, and without adequate funding, these opportunities will be less available.
I respectfully ask you to advocate for no further cuts for our public library and to recognize its
importance in our community. Our library is more than just a building filled with books, it is a
lifeline for education, information, and connection.
Thank you for your time and for your commitment to our community. I hope that you will stand
with me in allowing NO more cuts to the library budget.
Sincerely,
Leslie Imse, 326 Bushy Hill Road
3/24/2026