Agenda
Board of Finance - Agenda - May 19, 2026
May 19, 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.
Page 1 of 2 Board of Finance Regular Meeting May 19, 2026 – 5:45 p.m. Simsbury Town Hall – Main Meeting Room 933 Hopmeadow Street *Meeting May Be Held in a Virtual Only Format if Inclement Weather is Expected on Day of Meeting* AGENDA Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance Public Audience Presentation: Lockton Finance Director’s Report (Pages 1-8) Pension Plans Experience Study Vacancy Sub-Committee Update Agenda Items a) Setting of the FY 2026/2027 Mill Rate (Pages 9-12) b) Supplemental Appropriation – Purchase of a Crew Leader Truck (Pages 13) c) Simsbury Performing Arts Center – Bandshell Expansion Project Update d) Approval of Tax Collector Suspense List (Pages 14-32) e) Appointment of the Auditor for FY 2025/2026 (Pages 33) f) Public Audience Discussion (Pages 34-36) g) Annual Report for FY 2024/2025 (Pages 37-99) Board of Finance Regular Meeting Agenda May 19, 2026 Page 2 of 2 Review of Minutes h) April 21, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes (Pages 100-105) i) April 29, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes (Pages 106-193) Adjourn Board of Finance Meeting Schedule: 6/16/26, 7/21/26, 8/18/26, 9/15/26, 10/20/26, 11/17/26, 12/15/26, 1/12/27 Marc S. Nelson, MPA Amy Meriwether Town Manager Director of Finance/Treasurer FINANCE DEPARTMENT www.simsbury-ct.gov Mon. 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tel. (860) 658-3200 933 Hopmeadow Street Tue. Wed. Thu. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Fax. (860) 658-3206 Simsbury, CT 06070 Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. finance@simsbury-ct.gov MEMORANDUM To: Board of Finance From: Amy Meriwether, Finance Director/Treasurer cc: Marc Nelson, Town Manager Date: May 19, 2026 Subject: Finance Director’s Report Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Approved Supplemental Appropriations Below is a listing of supplemental appropriations approved by the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance as of May 11, 2026: Aquarion Paving Funds - $196,000 Eno Memorial Hall Parking Lot - $110,000 15 Sugar Loaf Cut Improvements - $100,000 State of CT Early Voting - $17,467 Public Works Crew Leader Truck - $63,100 (pending approval) Total Supplemental Appropriations - $486,567 or 0.38% of the FY25/26 adopted budget Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Tax Abatements Below is listing of approved abatements and fiscal impact for the period ending June 30, 2026: Entity Address Assessment Reduction Tax Reduction Abatement Year Solectran 690 Hopmeadow 1,696,881 56,031 5 of 10 Ensign Bickford 632 Hopmeadow 1,366,717 45,129 5 of 10 Totals 3,063,598 101,1601 Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Grants Applications and Awards Below is a chart of all grant applications and their current status as of May 11, 2026: Grant Application Amount Status Enhanced Dial A Ride Grant 35,367 Awarded Youth Service Bureau 32,272 Awarded State of CT Early Voting Grant 17,467 Awarded FY26 Greater Hartford Transit District Dial A Ride Grant 6,660 Awarded Aging & Disability Commission's Souper Thursday 5,000 Awarded Tai Ji Quan Moving for Better Balance Grant 2,880 Awarded Simsbury Greater Together Community Grant - Souper Thursday Program 7,500 Denied Connecticut Humanities Quick Grant 2,017 Denied CRCOG LOTCIP Grant - County Rd/Hoskins Rd Intersection Improvements 1,300,000 Pending CT DEEP 2025 Recreational Trails Grant 248,000 Pending Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Savings Initiatives Police Department Bullet Proof Vest Grant anticipated to yield savings of approximately $10,500 Reduced the cost for uniform cleaning by approximately $10,000 moving to a uniform cleaning services instead of a monetary distribution. Most of the patrol fleet has been converted from combustion to hybrid cruisers and we continue to see a reduction in gallons of gas. Although overall department total gallon usage is not a true measure of savings due to combustion versus hybrid vehicles, it is an indicator. We have further data that shows a significant reduction in miles per gallon between the two types. The hybrids are getting on average 4‐5 more miles per gallon and the idle times are drastically reduced with the hybrid vehicles. The police budget in FY26 is for 3 hybrids to replace the last of the combustion engines. We also plan to have the 2025 model cost and not the 2026 model cost.2 Human Resources Transitioned retiree health benefits from Anthem to Retiree First. Monthly expenditures reduced from $25K/month to $17K/month. Library Through partnerships, collaborations and the use of volunteers to present programs, the Library saved over $56,000 in program costs. The Library’s membership in the CT Library Consortium (CLC) (annual dues of $971) saved the Library $54,170 in FY 2024/2025 with purchases made through CLC’s negotiated contracts. (Data just made available) Fraud Risk Assessment Implementation Update The Town Manager has prioritized the implementation of the fraud risk assessment now that the budget has been completed. Staff will meet with department heads and draft proposed policies by the end of May with full implementation by mid-June. Pooled Investments The Town’s pooled cash deposit balance as of April 30, 2026 was $2,916,778.14. As of month-end, the investment balances for all funds combined were as follows: Type of Investment Amount Rate Maturity Date CT STIF $ 10,456,572.02 3.72% N/A NW - Money Market $ 10,030,934.24 3.78% N/A Liberty - Money Market $ 35,744,637.67 3.70% N/A Liberty CD – 9 Month $ 10,253,553.51 3.83% 6/5/26 TOTAL: $ 66,485,697.44 Financial Summary as of April 30, 2026 Attached for review is the General Fund revenue and expenditure budget status report as of April 30, 2026.3 FY2026 FY2026 FY2026 FY2026 ORIGINAL AMENDED ACTUAL 4/30/2025 PROJECTED Description BUDGET BUDGET As of 4/30/26 $ Variance % Recvd % Recvd As of 3/31/26 Notes (Prior Year Comparison) GENERAL GOVERNMENT TOWN MANAGER'S OFFICE 353,331 353,331 419,581 66,250 118.75% 89.75% 419,581 Timing of World Skate payment; increased funding for State owned property and telephone access grant funding TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT 353,331 353,331 419,581 66,250 118.75% 89.75% 419,581 BOARDS & COMMISSIONS LAND USE COMMISSION 20,000 20,000 19,957 (43) 99.79% 80.38% 20,000 Timing of payments TOTAL BOARDS & COMMISSIONS 20,000 20,000 19,957 (43) 99.79% 80.38% 20,000 TOWN CLERK TOWN CLERK 652,520 652,520 615,053 (37,467) 94.26% 73.67% 768,720 Increased payments in the current year for conveyance taxes TOTAL TOWN CLERK 652,520 652,520 615,053 (37,467) 94.26% 73.67% 768,720 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 208,013 208,013 156,010 (52,003) 75.00% 75.00% 208,013 TOTAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 208,013 208,013 156,010 (52,003) 75.00% 75.00% 208,013 FINANCE TAX DEPARTMENT 112,547,282 112,547,282 112,734,162 186,880 100.17% 100.95% 113,108,871 FINANCE DEPARTMENT 2,325,945 2,325,945 2,607,013 281,068 112.08% 117.03% 3,066,019 Higher interest rates in the prior year ASSESSOR'S OFFICE 6,000 6,000 4,526 (1,474) 75.44% 71.45% 4,526 TOTAL FINANCE 114,879,227 114,879,227 115,345,701 466,474 100.41% 101.32% 116,179,416 PLANNING & BUILDING BUILDING DEPARTMENT 900,000 900,000 887,989 (12,011) 98.67% 145.52% 991,520 September and October 2024 permit fees totaled $428,003 for larger projects TOTAL PLANNING & BUILDING 900,000 900,000 887,989 (12,011) 98.67% 145.52% 991,520 PUBLIC SAFETY POLICE DEPARTMENT 240,575 240,575 187,844 (52,731) 78.08% 82.40% 231,988 Timing of payments ANIMAL CONTROL 100 100 270 170 270.00% 29.00% 225 Increased animal control fines in the current year TOTAL PUBLIC SAFETY 240,675 240,675 188,114 (52,561) 78.16% 82.28% 232,213 PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEERING 25,050 25,050 27,214 2,164 108.64% 113.67% 29,589 Increased fees in the prior year ENO MEMORAL HALL 3,000 3,000 7,200 4,200 240.00% 480.00% 8,000 Increased building rentals in the prior year HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT 3,250 3,250 2,312 (938) 71.14% 83.43% 2,312 Increased fees in the prior year TOTAL PUBLIC WORKS 31,300 31,300 36,726 5,426 117.34% 122.82% 39,901 COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES ELDERLY/HANDICAPPED TRANSPORT 42,037 42,037 35,367 (6,670) 84.13% 56.09% 42,037 Timing of DOT grant payment TOTAL COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES 42,037 42,037 35,367 (6,670) 84.13% 56.09% 42,037 LIBRARY LIBRARY 15,800 15,800 14,478 (1,322) 91.63% 65.49% 16,519 Total payments consistent year to year, budget decreased in the current year TOTAL LIBRARY 15,800 15,800 14,478 (1,322) 91.63% 65.49% 16,519 PARKS & RECREATION PARKS & RECREATION 225,215 225,215 168,911 (56,304) 75.00% 75.00% 225,215 COMMUNITY GARDENS 5,200 5,200 3,964 (1,236) 76.23% 112.11% 3,500 Increased payments in the prior year MEMORAL POOLS & FIELDS 11,500 11,500 14,498 2,998 126.07% 204.05% 14,198 Increased memorial pool receipts in the prior year TOTAL PARKS & RECREATION 241,915 241,915 187,373 (54,542) 77.45% 81.22% 242,913 GENERAL FUND REVENUE FINANCIAL COMPARISON4 FY2026 FY2026 FY2026 FY2026 ORIGINAL AMENDED ACTUAL 4/30/2025 PROJECTED Description BUDGET BUDGET As of 4/30/26 $ Variance % Recvd % Recvd As of 3/31/26 Notes (Prior Year Comparison) EDUCATION BOARD OF EDUCATION 8,626,737 8,626,737 8,322,037 (304,700) 96.47% 73.01% 8,568,196 Timing of ECS payments TOTAL EDUCATION 8,626,737 8,626,737 8,322,037 (304,700) 96.47% 73.01% 8,568,196 INSURANCE INSURANCE REFUNDS - - 58,304 58,304 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 58,304 Payment not budgeted for TOTAL INSURANCE - - 58,304 58,304 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 58,304 INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRANSFER IN - BELDEN TRUST 28,930 28,930 28,930 - 100.00% 100.00% 28,930 TRANSFER IN - SOCIAL SERVCES SRF 180,000 180,000 180,000 - 100.00% 0.00% 180,000 TRANSFER IN - SIMSBURY FARMS FUND 95,225 95,225 95,225 - 100.00% 0.00% 95,225 TRANSFER IN - CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDS 182,128 182,128 182,128 - 100.00% 100.00% 182,128 TRANSFER IN - CAPITAL RESERVE FUND 1,304,132 1,304,132 1,304,132 - 100.00% 100.00% 1,304,132 TOTAL INTERGOVERNEMENTAL 1,790,414 1,790,414 1,790,414 - 100.00% 64.99% 1,790,414 TOTAL GENERAL FUND REVENUES 128,001,969 128,001,969 128,077,103 75,134 100.06% 99.26% 129,577,7475 FY2026 FY2026 FY2026 FY2026 ORIGINAL AMENDED ACTUAL 4/30/2025 PROJECTED Description BUDGET BUDGET As of 4/30/26 $ Variance % Spent % Spent As of 3/31/26 Notes (Prior Year Comparison) GENERAL GOVERNMENT TOWN MANAGER'S OFFICE 397,365 408,572 343,235 65,337 84.01% 77.40% 418,357 Intern in the current year HUMAN RESOURCES 305,473 311,931 208,842 103,089 66.95% 0.00% 249,814 New department in current year HEALTH DEPARTMENT 190,890 190,890 187,148 3,743 98.04% 100.00% 187,148 LEGAL SERVICES 171,000 171,000 114,780 56,220 67.12% 101.99% 160,000 Increased expenditures in the prior year from negotiations GENERAL GOVERNMENT 175,346 175,346 127,075 48,271 72.47% 54.67% 145,368 Dues & subscriptions expenditures moved from Community Services budget and paid out TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT 1,240,074 1,257,739 981,079 276,660 78.00% 82.03% 1,160,687 BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION 93,150 93,150 92,500 650 99.30% 84.45% 92,500 Timing of public agency support payments BOARD OF FINANCE 59,660 59,660 51,037 8,623 85.55% 90.91% 55,214 Audit expenditures less in the current year from timely audit LAND USE COMMISSION 14,650 14,650 7,765 6,885 53.00% 43.10% 11,455 Timing of expenditure payments BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE 6,000 6,000 1,998 4,002 33.30% 18.13% 4,100 Timing of expenditure payments DEI COUNCIL 4,550 4,550 618 3,932 13.58% 0.00% 4,550 Timing of expenditure payments PUBLIC BUILDING COMMISSION 2,000 2,000 482 1,518 24.08% 25.49% 650 AGING & DISABILITY COMMISSION 7,250 7,250 6,702 548 92.44% 105.19% 7,250 Timing of supplies purchases POLICE COMMISSION 750 750 - 750 0.00% 2.00% - PARKS & REC COMMISSION 750 750 99 651 13.21% 0.00% 207 No expenditures in the prior year TOTAL BOARDS & COMMISSIONS 188,760 188,760 161,200 27,560 85.40% 80.11% 175,926 SELECTMEN - COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES 242,358 247,358 221,951 25,407 89.73% 70.31% 230,868 Dues & Subscriptions expenditures moved to General Government budget in the current year offset by timing of public agency support payments in the current year TOTAL SELECTMEN - COMMUNITY SERVICES 242,358 247,358 221,951 25,407 89.73% 70.31% 230,868 PROBATE REGIONAL PROBATE COURT 13,874 13,874 13,874 - 100.00% 100.00% 13,874 TOTAL PROBATE 13,874 13,874 13,874 - 100.00% 100.00% 13,874 ELECTION ADMINSTRATION ELECTION ADMINISTRATION 183,783 183,783 144,142 39,641 78.43% 82.87% 165,452 Additional expenditures in prior year related to an additional election and timing of those expenditures at the beginning of the fiscal year TOTAL ELECTION ADMINSTRATION 183,783 183,783 144,142 39,641 78.43% 82.87% 165,452 TOWN CLERK TOWN CLERK 294,904 301,235 227,263 73,972 75.44% 77.91% 280,470 TOTAL TOWN CLERK 294,904 301,235 227,263 73,972 75.44% 77.91% 280,470 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 547,615 555,926 427,825 128,101 76.96% 80.03% 513,565 Timing of expenditure payments TOTAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 547,615 555,926 427,825 128,101 76.96% 80.03% 513,565 FINANCE FINANCE DEPARTMENT 639,191 668,061 528,326 139,735 79.08% 81.46% 657,319 ASSESSOR'S OFFICE 411,988 420,043 310,727 109,316 73.98% 73.77% 396,569 TAX DEPARTMENT 201,300 205,022 146,640 58,382 71.52% 67.90% 197,049 TOTAL FINANCE 1,252,479 1,293,126 985,693 307,433 76.23% 76.48% 1,250,937 PLANNING & BUILDING GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURE FINANCIAL COMPARISON6 FY2026 FY2026 FY2026 FY2026 ORIGINAL AMENDED ACTUAL 4/30/2025 PROJECTED Description BUDGET BUDGET As of 4/30/26 $ Variance % Spent % Spent As of 3/31/26 Notes (Prior Year Comparison) PLANNING DEPARTMENT 429,777 441,116 336,896 104,220 76.37% 74.91% 422,047 BUILDING DEPARTMENT 333,502 340,496 282,616 57,880 83.00% 74.93% 328,056 Fully staffed in the current year TOTAL PLANNING & BUILDING 763,279 781,612 619,512 162,100 79.26% 74.92% 750,103 PUBLIC SAFETY POLICE DEPARTMENT 6,157,228 6,017,558 4,626,922 1,390,636 76.89% 79.38% 5,724,368 DISPATCH 615,550 615,550 464,964 150,586 75.54% 78.75% 578,136 ANIMAL CONTROL 80,166 82,084 43,259 38,825 52.70% 71.97% 59,065 Staff vacancy in the current year EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 73,012 73,012 73,043 (31) 100.04% 83.47% 73,043 Increased tech and program supply purchases in the current year offset by a decreased budget TOTAL PUBLIC SAFETY 6,925,956 6,788,204 5,208,188 1,580,016 76.72% 79.26% 6,434,612 PUBLIC WORKS HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT 3,223,578 3,434,167 2,783,693 650,474 81.06% 78.75% 3,386,022 Increased overtime in the current year due to snow storms BUILDINGS & MAINTENANCE 576,848 589,665 466,258 123,407 79.07% 85.18% 564,806 Increased seasonal expenditures in the prior year ENGINEERING 370,614 377,835 247,788 130,047 65.58% 75.11% 334,132 Increased use of consultant in the prior year PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION 384,340 393,811 303,837 89,974 77.15% 74.07% 379,035 TOWN OFFICE BUILDINGS 208,100 208,100 139,873 68,227 67.21% 81.49% 181,271 Timing of equipment maintenance expenditures LIBRARY 196,501 196,501 122,606 73,895 62.39% 76.33% 145,342 Timing of equipment maintenance expenditures ENO MEMORAL HALL 104,841 104,841 75,391 29,450 71.91% 80.88% 99,823 Timing of equipment maintenance expenditures OTHER BUILDINGS 49,343 49,343 32,107 17,236 65.07% 75.32% 40,639 Timing of expenditure payments LANDFILL 87,000 87,000 25,000 62,000 28.74% 33.46% 76,800 TOTAL PUBLIC WORKS 5,201,164 5,441,263 4,196,553 1,244,709 77.12% 78.12% 5,207,870 COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 358,351 365,842 280,722 85,120 76.73% 74.57% 351,635 SENIOR CENTER SERVICES 174,247 177,987 140,703 37,284 79.05% 76.72% 176,194 TRANSPORTATION SERVICES 182,409 182,409 146,191 36,218 80.14% 75.27% 180,000 Timing of Dial A Ride program payments TOTAL COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES 715,007 726,238 567,616 158,622 78.16% 75.27% 707,829 LIBRARY LIBRARY 1,824,821 1,863,583 1,448,263 415,320 77.71% 74.52% 1,756,145 Timing of reference material expenditures TOTAL LIBRARY 1,824,821 1,863,583 1,448,263 415,320 77.71% 74.52% 1,756,145 PARKS & RECREATION PARKS & OPEN SPACE 1,156,841 1,178,392 891,445 286,947 75.65% 83.76% 1,137,848 Increased facilities maintenance expenditures this time last year MEMORIAL POOL 95,225 95,225 44,222 51,003 46.44% 58.20% 70,835 Sewer use fees paid in July in the prior year, not yet in the current year RECREATION ADMINISTRATION 77,648 82,964 56,903 26,061 68.59% 83.47% 77,647 Timing of special activities expenditures MEMORIAL FIELD 42,041 42,041 22,632 19,409 53.83% 52.33% 29,536 TOTAL PARKS & RECREATION 1,371,756 1,398,622 1,015,201 383,421 72.59% 80.85% 1,315,866 EDUCATION BOARD OF EDUCATION 88,823,111 88,823,111 71,249,160 17,573,951 80.21% 79.34% 88,823,111 TOTAL EDUCATION 88,823,111 88,823,111 71,249,160 17,573,951 80.21% 79.34% 88,823,111 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 7,830,160 7,804,160 6,849,909 954,251 87.77% 85.73% 7,436,184 TOTAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 7,830,160 7,804,160 6,849,909 954,251 87.77% 85.73% 7,436,184 INSURANCE LIABILITY INSURANCE 519,523 534,523 488,916 45,607 91.47% 98.61% 554,447 TOTAL INSURANCE 519,523 534,523 488,916 45,607 91.47% 98.61% 554,447 TRANSFERS TRANSFER OUT - SIMSBURY FARMS 151,715 151,715 151,715 - 100.00% 100.00% 151,7157 FY2026 FY2026 FY2026 FY2026 ORIGINAL AMENDED ACTUAL 4/30/2025 PROJECTED Description BUDGET BUDGET As of 4/30/26 $ Variance % Spent % Spent As of 3/31/26 Notes (Prior Year Comparison) TRANSFER OUT - MSP SENIOR FUND 10,480 10,480 10,480 - 100.00% 100.00% 10,480 TRANSFER OUT - YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU 8,000 8,000 8,000 - 100.00% 100.00% 8,000 TRANSFER OUT - ATHLETICS FIELDS 2,250 2,250 2,250 - 100.00% 100.00% 2,250 TRANSFER OUT - SIMSBURY CELEBRATES 5,300 5,300 5,300 - 100.00% 100.00% 5,300 CONTINGENCY RESERVE 264,493 - - - #DIV/0! 0.00% - CONTINGENCY VACANCY (350,000) (350,000) - (350,000) 0.00% 0.00% - TRANSFER OUT - CNR 416,250 416,250 416,250 - 100.00% 100.00% 416,250 TOTAL TRANSFERS 508,488 243,995 593,995 (350,000) 243.45% 102.95% 593,995 DEBT SERVICE PRINCIPAL 7,103,207 7,103,207 4,860,000 2,243,207 68.42% 67.84% 6,930,000 INTEREST 2,451,650 2,451,650 2,133,025 318,625 87.00% 86.29% 2,229,625 TOTAL DEBT SERVICE 9,554,857 9,554,857 6,993,025 2,561,832 73.19% 72.45% 9,159,625 TOTAL GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES 128,001,969 128,001,969 102,393,365 25,608,603 79.99% 79.15% 126,531,5668 Page 1 of 2 Board of Finance Agenda Item Submission 1. Title of Submission: Setting of the FY 2026/2027 Mill Rate 2. Date of Board Meeting: May 19, 2026 3. Individual or Entity Making the Submission: Amy Meriwether, Director of Finance 4. Action Requested of the Board of Finance: The following motions are in order to set the real estate, personal property and motor vehicle mill rates: Move, effective May 19, 2026, to set the real estate and personal property mill rate for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 at 33.78 (or 33.65) mills. Move, effective May 19, 2026 to set the motor vehicle mill rate for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 at 32.36 mills. 5. Summary of Submission: Pursuant to Simsbury Charter Section 406, the Town of Simsbury held its annual budget referendum on May 16, 2026. Residents voted on the following expenditures: Operating Budgets Board of Selectmen Budget - $30,121,926 Board of Education Budget - $91,543,244 Sewer Use Fund (Sewer Treatment Plant), Residential Rental Properties, and Parks & Recreation Special Revenue Fund Budgets - $9,372,391 Capital, Capital Non-Recurring and Debt Service Budgets - $17,978,194 The final step in the budget making process is for the Board of Finance to formally set the mill rate for FY26/27. The proposed mill rate identified during the budget process was 33.78 mills for real estate and personal property and 32.36 mills for motor vehicles. Subsequent to the setting of the referendum, the Town was notified that it would receive additional funding from the State of CT in the amount of $407,895 from the following sources: Supplemental Education Aid Grant $165,475, District Relief and Compensatory Use Learning Aid (DRACULA) Grant $165,475 and Pequot-Mohegan Grant $76,945. Although there was conflicting information from9 Page 2 of 2 the State Department of Education and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) on the treatment of these funds, CCM spoke with staff on this issue and noted as long as the budget exceeds the minimum budget requirement, the Town can take the supplemental funding and put it towards adjusting the mill rate after budget adoption by the voters. The Town Attorney has concurred. With that said, if the Board of Finance chooses to reduce the mill rate by the amount of these funds, the revised mill rate would be 33.65 mills or a tax increase of 1.91%. The motor vehicle mill rate would remain unchanged at 32.36 mills. One item for consideration if the Board of Finance considers applying the additional revenue to offset the mill rate; it is anticipated that there will be an increase to the ECS funding in next year’s (FY 27/28) budget, however, the method of allocation and distribution has yet to be determined. This is important because if Simsbury decides to reduce its mill rate by these additional funds it could create a cliff for next year if the full value of the additional funding is not received. 6. Financial Impact: The current FY25/26 real estate and personal property mill rate is set at 33.02 mills. If the Board of Finance approves the proposed mill rate of 33.78 for the Town, this will be an increase of 0.76 mills or 2.30%. The median home value will see an estimated tax increase of $239. Or If the Board of Finance approves the mill rate with the offsetting additional State revenue, the revised mill rate will be 33.65, which is an increase of 0.63 mills or 1.91%. The median home value will see an estimated tax increase of $198. The State of CT has capped the motor vehicle mill rate at 32.46 mills between the Town and the Fire District. This will remain the same for the taxpayer in FY26/27 as it was in FY25/26. 7. Description of Documents Included with Submission: FY 2026/2027 Budget Levy Calculation Worksheet as Approved FY 2026/2027 Budget Levy Calculation Worksheet with Additional State Revenue10 FY2025/26 FY2026/27 Percent Budget Proposed Change Change Town Operating Budget $ 29,115,513 $ 29,711,930 $ 596,417 2.05% Operating Transfers 508,488 409,996 (98,492) -19.37% Total Town Budget 29,624,001 30,121,926 497,925 1.68% School Operating Budget 88,261,001 90,948,518 2,687,517 3.04% Non-Public School Budget 562,110 594,726 32,616 5.80% Debt Service & Capital 9,554,857 9,064,275 (490,582) -5.13% Gross Expenditures 128,001,969 130,729,445 2,727,476 2.13% Anticipated Revenue 14,964,686 14,614,446 (350,240) -2.34% Use of Fund Balance (Debt Service Offset) 1,300,000 1,031,300 (268,700) -20.67% Total Revenue and Approp of Fund Balance 16,264,686 15,645,746 (618,940) -3.81% Net Expenditures $ 111,737,283 $ 115,083,698 $ 3,346,415 2.99% Mill Rate Calculation Property Taxes Supplemental Auto 1,000,000 1,000,000 Ambulance/Fire Rebates (150,000) (150,000) Property Taxes 102,063,564 105,059,238 Car Taxes 8,823,719 9,174,460 Total Property Taxes 111,737,283 115,083,698 Net Grand List (non-vehicle) 3,138,446,095 3,157,381,188 Tax Collection Rate 98.50% 98.50% Mill Rate 33.02 33.78 0.76 2.30% Fire 1.14 1.33 0.19 16.67% Total Mill Rate 34.16 35.11 0.95 2.78% $450,000 Home Impact 10,401 10,641 239 2.30% Levy Calculation Worksheet as Approved Town of Simsbury FY2026/2711 FY2025/26 FY2026/27 Percent Budget Proposed Change Change Town Operating Budget $ 29,115,513 $ 29,711,930 $ 596,417 2.05% Operating Transfers 508,488 409,996 (98,492) -19.37% Total Town Budget 29,624,001 30,121,926 497,925 1.68% School Operating Budget 88,261,001 90,948,518 2,687,517 3.04% Non-Public School Budget 562,110 594,726 32,616 5.80% Debt Service & Capital 9,554,857 9,064,275 (490,582) -5.13% Gross Expenditures 128,001,969 130,729,445 2,727,476 2.13% Anticipated Revenue 14,964,686 15,022,341 57,655 0.39% Use of Fund Balance (Debt Service Offset) 1,300,000 1,031,300 (268,700) -20.67% Total Revenue and Approp of Fund Balance 16,264,686 16,053,641 (211,045) -1.30% Net Expenditures $ 111,737,283 $ 114,675,803 $ 2,938,520 2.63% Mill Rate Calculation Property Taxes Supplemental Auto 1,000,000 1,000,000 Ambulance/Fire Rebates (150,000) (150,000) Property Taxes 102,063,564 104,651,343 Car Taxes 8,823,719 9,174,460 Total Property Taxes 111,737,283 114,675,803 Net Grand List (non-vehicle) 3,138,446,095 3,157,381,188 Tax Collection Rate 98.50% 98.50% Mill Rate 33.02 33.65 0.63 1.91% Fire 1.14 1.33 0.19 16.67% Total Mill Rate 34.16 34.98 0.82 2.40% $450,000 Home Impact 10,401 10,600 198 1.91% Levy Calculation Worksheet with Additional State Revenue Town of Simsbury FY2026/2712 Page 1 of 1 Board of Finance Agenda Item Submission 1. Title of Submission: Supplemental Appropriation – Purchase of Crew Leader Truck 2. Date of Board Meeting: May 19, 2026 3. Individual or Entity Making the Submission: Marc Nelson, Town Manager; Tom Roy, Director of Public Works/Town Engineer 4. Action Requested of the Board of Finance: If the Board of Finance supports the supplemental appropriation request to purchase a crew leader truck, the following motion is in order: Move, effective May 19, 2026, to approve a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $63,100 for the purchase of a crew leader truck to be funded by the sale of equipment. 5. Summary of Submission: The Department of Public Works recently undertook an effort to sell obsolete vehicles and equipment that no longer had value for Town operations. The govdeals.com auction was utilized to list, sell, and manage the transactions, ensuring fair pricing for the equipment being sold. The department listed items from various departments. In total the auctions generated $67,200 in sales. The public works department generated $63,100 of this total and is requesting these funds be allotted for the purchase of a crew leader truck that was cut from the FY 2026/2027 budget. This request will replace a future budget request and will keep the Town fleet of front-line trucks in a state of readiness. The request was reviewed and approved by the Board of Selectmen at their meeting on May 11, 2026. 6. Financial Impact: Included in Summary of Submission 7. Description of Documents Included with Submission: None13 Page 1 of 1 Board of Finance Agenda Item Submission 1. Title of Submission: Approval of the Tax Collector Suspense List 2. Date of Board Meeting: May 19, 2026 3. Individual or Entity Making the Submission: Amy Meriwether, Director of Finance; Sherry Clemens, Tax Collector 4. Action Requested of the Board of Finance: If the Board of Finance supports the recommendation of the Tax Collector, the following motion is in order: Move, effective May 19, 2026, to approve the suspense list in the amount of $93,998.02 and authorize Tax Collector, Sherry Clemens to transfer these accounts to the Suspense Tax Book. 5. Summary of Submission: Each year, a suspense list is prepared for taxes that are deemed uncollectible. Taxes may be placed in suspense for a variety of reasons, including uncollectible motor vehicle taxes resulting from a taxpayer moving out of state, motor vehicle taxes for deceased taxpayers, or taxes that are uncollectible due to a federal bankruptcy discharge. Regular motor vehicle and supplemental motor vehicle taxes comprise most of the suspense list. All motor vehicle accounts are held at the Department of Motor Vehicles and the taxpayers who still live in Connecticut will not be able to register a car in the State until the taxes are paid. 6. Financial Impact: If approved, $93,998.02 will be placed in suspense. The accounts will remain collectible for 15 years. 7. Description of Documents Included with Submission: Letter from Tax Collector Suspense List14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Page 1 of 1 Board of Finance Agenda Item Submission 1. Title of Submission: Appointment of the Auditor for FY 2025/2026 Audit 2. Date of Board Meeting: May 19, 2026 3. Individual or Entity Making the Submission: Amy Meriwether, Director of Finance 4. Action Requested of the Board of Finance: If the Board of Finance supports the appointment of the FY 2025/2026 audit firm, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, the following motion is in order: Move, effective May 19, 2026, to appoint CliftonLarsonAllen LLP as the Town of Simsbury’s auditors for the fiscal year audit ending 2025/2026. 5. Summary of Submission: Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S 7-396 and 4-232) require that the appointing authority of any municipality or audited agency to annually file with the Secretary of the Office of Policy Management (OPM) the name of the independent auditor designated to conduct the annual audit of its accounts. The notification must be made at least thirty days prior to the end of the fiscal period for which the audit is required. The Town of Simsbury issued an RFQ for auditing services in July 2023. The Town received two responses and decided to go with the lowest bidder, our current auditors, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. The Town had contracted with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP for three years with the option to extend for two additional years. The fiscal year 2025/2026 audit will be Year 3 of the current contract. 6. Financial Impact: None 7. Description of Documents Included with Submission: None33 Page 1 of 1 Board of Finance Agenda Item Submission 1. Title of Submission: Public Audience Discussion 2. Date of Board Meeting: May 19, 2026 3. Individual or Entity Making the Submission: Regina Pynn, Board of Finance Member 4. Action Requested of the Board of Finance: If the Board of Finance supports the request to add public audience to all Board of Finance meetings, the following motion is in order: Move, effective May 19, 2026 to amend the Board of Finance Rules of Procedure by amending # 8 as follows: “8. All Board of Finance regular and special meetings shall include a public audience period at the beginning of the meeting, providing any member of the public on opportunity to speak for five (5) minutes. Any citizen so speaking shall identify him/herself by name and address and if he/she is representing a group or organization, he/she may so state. The Chair may, at his or her discretion, recognize specific members of the public for participation on an agenda item under discussion, if he or she feels that member of the public has knowledge or input of value to the board.” 5. Summary of Submission: The Board of Finance currently provides public audience at meetings that include agenda items for supplemental or emergency appropriaitons, as well as at meetings that include public hearings. The Charter Revsion Commission recommended that all boards and commissions allow for public audience at their meetings. Expanding this practice to all regular and special Board of Finance meetings will better foster greater accountability, improve the quality of local decision-making, and build trust while increasing community investment in municpal outcomes. 6. Financial Impact: None 7. Description of Documents Included with Submission: Board of Finance Rules of Procedure34 TOWN OF SIMSBURY BOARD OF FINANCE RULES OF PROCEDURE Adopted by the Board of Finance on January 21, 2020 Reviewed by the Board of Finance on September 25, 2024 Revised by the Board of Finance on September 16, 2025 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance adopts the following rules of procedure: 1. The Board of Finance (Board) adopts Robert’s Rules of Order as a general guide for the conduct of all regular and special meetings. Additionally, the Board will conduct its business in accordance with all other applicable rules and regulations including the Connecticut General Statutes and the Town Charter. 2. A biennial organizational meeting of the Board will be held on the first regularly scheduled meeting following the date on which newly elected Board members take the oath of office. The organizational meeting will be called to order by the Chairperson or the Vice‐Chairperson, in that order of priority, provided one of these officers is still a member of the Board. If none of the Board officers from the preceding year is presently a member of the Board, any Board member present may call the meeting to order. A temporary Chairperson will be chosen by a majority of those members present. The temporary Chairperson will preside until a successor is elected. The newly elected Chairperson will take office upon election and preside over the elections of the Vice‐Chairperson. 3. If such officers are not chosen within one month after the appointment or election of The Board because of a tie vote of the members, the two leading contenders may agree to be co‐chairs, sharing responsibilities equally. If they do not agree to such co‐chairmanship, the Board of Selectmen shall choose such officers from the membership of the Board, pursuant to C.G.S. Chapter 106, Sec. 7‐342. If the Board of Selectmen also fails to elect such officers due to a tie vote of its members, the two leading contenders shall flip a coin to determine which shall be chair. The other shall be vice chair. 4. In the event of a mid‐term vacancy in the position of either Chair or Vice‐Chair, an election shall be held at the next regularly scheduled meeting to fill such vacancy. The duly published notice for such meeting shall include the election as the first agenda item. Following the protocol in items 2 & 3 above, a successor shall be elected. 5. At all meetings of the Board, four members shall constitute a quorum and the concurrence of three votes shall be necessary for the transaction of business. 6. When possible, the agenda along with relevant resource material will be distributed to the Board members three (3) to seven (7) days prior to the meeting. Items not specifically included on the agenda may be included by a 2/3 vote of those present and voting. From time to time, the Board may schedule special meetings or regular meetings devoted to a particular topic or topics. In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes, no items will be added to a special meeting agenda.35 7. A member of the Board may have an item placed on the agenda by contacting the Chairperson at least (7) days prior to the meeting. 8. The Board will hold public audience during at least one meeting each year. During such public audience, each speaker will be limited to (5) minutes. Any citizen so speaking shall identify him/herself by name and address and if he/she is representing a group or organization, he/she may so state. The Chair may, at his or her discretion, recognize specific members of the public for participation on an agenda item under discussion, if he or she feels that member of the public has knowledge or input of value to the board. 9. Members of the Board may participate by telephone or similar electronic means when physically unable to attend. 10. The Board may, from time to time, vote to establish temporary subcommittees consisting of both Board members and non‐board members, to investigate items, provide analysis and make recommendations to the board. 11. The Board shall review and re‐adopt or revise all Board of Finance policies at least every 5 years. 12. In accordance with Chapter 14, Section 1‐225 of the CGS, entitled Freedom of Information Act, the votes of each member of the Board of Finance shall be recorded in the minutes and made available to the public. A draft of the minutes shall be available to the public within 7 days. The minutes shall be posted on the town’s website when available.36 Page 1 of 1 Board of Finance Agenda Item Submission 1. Title of Submission: Draft Board of Finance Annual Report Statement 2. Date of Board Meeting: May 19, 2026 3. Individual or Entity Making the Submission: Lisa Heavner, Board of Finance Chair 4. Action Requested of the Board of Finance: If the Board of Finance supports the annual report statement as written, the following motion is in order: Move, effective May 19, 2026 to approve the Board of Finance Annual Report Statement. 5. Summary of Submission: Attached to this submission is the draft Board of Finance Annual Report Statement for Fiscal Year 2025 for discussion, edits and approval. 6. Financial Impact: None 7. Description of Documents Included with Submission Draft Board of Finance Annual Report Statement37 FYFY 2024-20252024-2025 Annual ReportAnnual Report FY 2024-2025 Annual Report Town of Simsbury Board of Finance 138 Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Table of Contents Messages from the Boards of Finance, Education, and Selectmen Boards & Commissions Departments & Services Financial Overview Town Staff Our Town Today Town Aid Road Acronym GlossaryTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 3-8 9-22 23-50 51-53 55 56-57 58 59-61 Page(s)Cover Photo: Mandy Anderson Photography Below photo: Heublein Tower 239 We are pleased to report that Simsbury remains financially strong and well-managed. Standard and Poor’s reaffirmed the town’s AAA credit rating – the highest possible – reflecting disciplined financial management and consistent budget performance. This top rating lowers borrowing costs and saves taxpayer dollars over time. Residents once again supported a budget that preserves Simsbury’s hallmark strengths – excellent schools, professional and efficient town services, and an outstanding quality of life. These investments sustain public safety, well- maintained roads, a vibrant library and senior center, beautiful parks and open spaces, and a wide range of community programs, keeping Simsbury a great place to live, invest and retire. Although Fiscal Year 2025 presented notable challenges, including rising operating costs, modest grand list growth of just 0.6%, new funding obligations for ambulance services, and continued gaps in state special education reimbursements, the Town navigated these pressures responsibly. Within this environment, the Town adopted a $122,740,402 budget that required a mill rate of 33.31 and a 4.68% tax increase in order to maintain essential municipal and educational services valued by the community. The Town approved $11.7 Million in major capital improvements, including: A roof replacement at Tootin’ Hills Elementary School; Construction of a new bandshell additional at the Simsbury Performing Arts Center (SPAC); Completion of the Tariffville East Coast Greenway; Highway pavement management; and Other school and municipal projects. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report A Message from the Board of FinanceTown of Simsbury, Connecticut The Boards of Finance, Education, and Selectmen collaborated to approve a $1,000,000 supplemental appropriation for the purchase of 2 Farms Village Road. This investment will expand high-quality-in- district special education services, reduce transportation costs, and create new tuition-based revenue opportunities from other districts. Despite the challenges of the fiscal year, Simsbury ended FY 2025 in a positive financial position. Operating savings from employee vacancies, stronger than expected investment income, a conservative tax collection assumption, higher motor vehicle values, and increased building permit activity all contributed to the year-end surplus. Of that surplus, $2,800,000 was transferred to the Capital Reserve Fund (CRF) to support future Pay-As- You-Go (PAYGO) capital projects, reducing reliance on debt and helping to moderate long-term tax impacts. These results reflect the Town’s continued commitment to sound financial management, long- term sustainability, and transparent stewardship of community resources. Key Performance Measures (KPM) help residents and policy makers assess how effectively the town manages public resources and meets policy goals. These financial indicators track fiscal stability, promote transparency, and strengthen accountability. The following data shows that municipal and education spending rose during the post-pandemic period of high inflation. As inflation has eased, budget growth has moderated. Fund balance levels remain healthy, and the town continues to maintain a AAA credit rating. In FY 2023, unusually strong grand list growth (3.72%) supported a 0% tax increase, while modest mill rate adjustments in subsequent years reflect slower grand list expansion. In FY 2024, following the property revaluation, the mill rate dropped, but taxes increased due to increased costs and changes in market values. Sincerely, Lisa Heavner, Chair; Arthur House, Vice Chair; Todd Burrick; Michael Doyle; Robert Helfand; Arthur WallaceSPAC ‘Next Act’ Bandshell Expansion Project 3D Perspective Plan by Colliers Engineering & Design 340 KPMs Topic 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 Budget, Inflation, and Taxes BOS Budget Increase 6.10% 5.35% 3.45% BOE Budget Increase 3.47% 6.70% 4.46% Debt Service Increase 17.11% 1.78% 3.11% Social Security COLA 5.90% 8.70% 3.20% Consumer Price Index (Jan.) 7.50% 6.40% 3.10% Grand List Growth 3.72% 2.45% 0.06% Tax Increase 0.00% 5.18% 4.68% Mill Rate 38.63 31.82 33.31 Policies Unassigned Fund Balance 15.72% 16.11% 16.31% Contribution to Capital Reserves $2,557,500 $3,900,000 $2,800,000 Credit Rating (S&P) AAA AAA AAA Pension Investment Assumption 6.50% 6.50% 6.50% Fully Funded Retirement ADC Yes Yes Yes Tax Collection Assumption Rate 98.50% 98.50% 98.50% Per Capita Debt $1,230 $1,840 $2,080 Debt Service as a % of Operating 6.67% 6.42% 6.56% Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Board of Finance Key Performance MetricsTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 441 KPMs Topic 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 Per Capita and Per Pupil Costs Net Per Pupil Spending $18,813 $19,877 $20,984 Net BOE Per Capita Spending $3,064 $3,269 $3,361 Net BOS Per Capita Spending $1,062 $1,119 $1,139 Population 24,953 24,953 25,353 Enrollment 4,064 4,104 4,061 Capital CNR as a % of Operating 2.27% 2.09% 2.55% CIP as a % of Operating 10.89% 9.26% 9.56% Total Capital as a % of Operating 13.16% 11.35% 12.11% Bonding as a % of Operating 5.69% 4.60% 3.94% Pay-go as a % of Operating 7.47% 6.76% 5.62% Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Board of Finance Key Performance MetricsTown of Simsbury, ConnecticutECG Rendering of the Tariffville Greenway Simsbury section over the Farmington River by FHI Studio 542 Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report A Message from the Board of Education Chair & Quote from the SuperintendentTown of Simsbury, Connecticut Completing my second year tenure as Chairman of the Simsbury Board of Education, I am proud to be representing Simsbury Public Schools and sharing this update with you. We had a lot to celebrate this year in Simsbury and below you will see some highlights of what we were able to accomplish in the 2024/2025 school year. Simsbury Public Schools has established high benchmarks for both teaching and learning. Each fall we examine the areas we identified for improvement during the previous cycle, assess how much we have progressed in those areas, and then take that data and synthesize it into our District Annual Report. Our Board of Education (BOE) prioritizes goal setting as part of our continuous improvement planning cycle. In the spring, the Board of Education approved the 2025-2030 Simsbury Public Schools Strategic Plan. This plan takes bold and measurable action steps in the areas of student growth and performance, culture and climate, strategic investments, and our premier workforce. We look forward to engaging in this next level of work, fulfilling our mission to "cultivate dynamic learning communities that foster academic excellence, character development, and a lifelong love of learning, preparing students to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world." The Simsbury Public Schools’ Vision of a Graduate is the framework that outlines the desired qualities, skills, and knowledge that we aim to instill in our students by the time they graduate. The attributes of the framework include being a critical thinker, communicator, collaborator, self-directed learner, innovator, and global citizen. The Vision of a Graduate serves as a guiding principle for K-12 curriculum development, instruction, and assessment. It helps ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college, career, and life. Our Curriculum Blueprint can be found on our website under the District tab at www.simsbury.k12.ct.us. The Simsbury High School Trojan Community Council engaged in a multi-meeting initiative focused on enhancing post-secondary readiness at Simsbury High School. Central to this work was the need to update and revise the high school’s Program of Studies and develop an accompanying website designed to guide students and families through the range of pathways available after high school. These resources aim to align post-secondary options with student interests and skills, using a career cluster framework as the foundation. This initiative is a thoughtful and collaborative effort to equip students with the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to navigate life after high school, whether that path leads to college, career, military service, or other opportunities. We are very proud of the academic performance of our 11 grade students who ranked 3 in our District Reference Group (DRG B) on the Next Generation Science Standards Assessment (NGSS). These students also ranked 3 in DRG B on the Reading & Writing SAT, and 6 in our DRG on the Math SAT. US News & World Report has ranked Simsbury High School 14 among all high schools in Connecticut. th rd rd th th To our community, you are integral to our success as a high-performing district. We are deeply grateful for your belief in us as stewards of Simsbury’s children’s education. Regards, Jeff Tindall Board of Education Chair "Behind every great team is a strong culture; great leadership; and passionate, committed people." - Jon Gordon Matthew T. Curtis Superintendent of Schools 643 Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report A Message from the First SelectmanTown of Simsbury, Connecticut Every year, I’m asked to provide highlights and accomplishments for our Annual Report. This year’s report covers the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. We completed two of our highest priorities during this period, along with many other accomplishments that I’ve included in this letter. It’s not everything, but a good representation of the year that has ended. In the spring of 2025, the Flower Bridge reopened, and many residents came out to celebrate with us. When summer arrived, the beautiful flowers, provided by the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge Committee, were in full bloom, and people from town, their families, and visitors from all over joined us to appreciate this beautiful community asset. Weddings were held, proposals were made, cyclists stopped for a break, kayakers entered the river, and visitors came to our town to enjoy the peaceful scenery. Another major project, the Tariffville Park Pickleball Courts, opened to the public. We pivoted from our original plans, which had been funded a few years earlier but delayed by flood map redesign. Once the courts opened, the players didn’t notice. The regulars were there every morning, enjoying these six (6) courts in the round-robin format typical for large groups. We had a great turnout at the opening- day ribbon cutting, where we dedicated one of the courts to a local couple credited with bringing this sport to town. On the Public Safety front, I would be remiss not to mention the microburst that hit Simsbury on August 2, 2024, leaving a path of devastation through several neighborhoods in town. Our State Representative and Congresswoman joined us for a visit to one of the affected neighborhoods. As a result, the Governor called and offered CT Department of Transportation crews to help with the cleanup, working in conjunction with our Department of Public Works and Highway Division. The Simsbury Public Library served as a cooling center, and we provided free landfill access for residents for their debris. All three boards – BOE, BOF, and BOS – came together to approve and move forward with theOn the governance side, the Selectmen received many volunteers interested in participating in the Charter Revision process. We selected 9 community members who began work in late 2024 on recommendations for change. Our Management Specialist was designated as the dedicated staff member to support this team. We also received the final report from the Simsbury Housing Policy Advisory Committee (SHPAC), which we established with our Town Manager serving as facilitator, and have begun working through some of the proposed items. Volunteers are what make our town special. As part of this fiscal budget, we approved funding for the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center’s ‘Next Act’ bandshell project. This is one of our town’s great assets – bringing the arts to the community through the summer series with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. We can’t wait for this project to be completed and to see what’s next for all of us on the music front. Additionally, Simsbury, along with all of Connecticut, held our first election in which the electors of our state could take advantage of early voting. This was a coordinated effort between the Registrars of Voters and many other departments to ensure it was safe and accessible for all.purchase of 2 Farms Village, the future home of the Pathways program, a school where special education students can remain in the district while helping the Town address the rising costs of education. The opening is planned for early 2026. Our Finance Director worked diligently with the BOE to develop a plan that projected future savings for our taxpayers while keeping our students in town. We listened, agreed, and began moving forward. 744 Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report A Message from the First Selectman We had many celebrations and events in town during this period, and I’ll name a few - Simsbury Celebrates, Hometown Heroes, Simsbury Public Library’s 150 Anniversary, Juneteenth, MLK Day, Townwide Cleanup Day, End of Summer Blast at Simsbury Farms, Paw Meadow Dog Park vendor fair and fundraiser, the grand openings of Raising Cane’s and Dill Dinkers, the Friends of Simsbury Farms Golf Tournament, the annual Senior Center Fashion Show, our Sensory-friendly events, and the first (in a long time) annual Holiday Door Decorating Contest for town staff. We even had our Public Works Director named to the Top 10 Public Works Directors in North America. A great year for celebrating our community! th I am excited to see what FY 2025/2026 brings us. As the Chief Elected Official, I have a seat at the table with the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) and Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), to ensure Simsbury is in the loop and to advocate for our municipality. Our Board of Selectmen is made up of dedicated volunteers who care about our community and have put themselves out there to represent everyone fairly. We all know Simsbury is a great place to live. It’s not just the beautiful surroundings and resources we enjoy every day, but the sense of community we share. With that, I’ll get back to work, making sure next year’s report shows our continued momentum. Wendy Mackstutis First SelectmanTown of Simsbury, Connecticut (cont.)Renovated Tariffville Park Pickleball Courts 845 Board of Finance (BOF) The Board of Finance oversees all Town expenditures, revenue sources, and gathers local, state, and national financial data to establish budget guidelines and set the mill rate. The Board is responsible for all financial and taxation matters, the final budget making authority, and creates this Annual Town Report. Members Lisa Heavner, Chair Arthur House, Vice Chair Todd Burrick; Michael Doyle; Robert Helfand; Arthur Wallace Board of Education (BOE) The Board of Education is the governing and policy making body of the Simsbury School District and oversees all Simsbury Public Schools. The Board establishes goals and objectives of the educational program for all Simsbury public school children. Members Jeff Tindall, Chair Jennifer Batchelar, Vice Chair Sharon Thomas, Secretary Josh Falco; Jessica Parise; Lydia Tedone; Brian Watson; Tara Donohue Willerup Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Boards & Commissions (Elected) as of March 12, 2025Town of Simsbury, Connecticut Board of Selectmen (BOS) The Board of Selectmen is the Town’s legislative body. The Board creates all local law and supervises all boards and commissions by liaison representation. The First Selectman collaborates with the Town Manager to lead the Town of Simsbury. Additionally, the Board exercises and discharges the powers and duties of the Flood and Erosion Control Board. Members Wendy Mackstutis, First Selectman Steven Antonio, Deputy First Selectman Kevin Beal; Heather Goetz; Curtis Looney; Diana Yeisley Library Board of Trustees (LBOT) The Library Board of Trustees, collaborating with the Library Director, manages the Simsbury Public Library. The Board is responsible for establishing Library policy, accepting gifts and donations on behalf of the Library, and expending all monies appropriated for the Library. Members Holly McGrath, Chair Polly Gardow Rice, Vice Chair Mary Glassman, Secretary Anne Erickson; Tolly Gibbs; Marianne O’Neil; Laurie Shinaman; Susan Ray 946 Board of Assessment Appeals (BOAA) The Board of Assessment Appeals hears resident’s appeals of property (automobile and home) tax assessments by the Assessor. Members Sean Brittell, Chair Josh Michelson Regina Pynn Alternates Scott Barnett Kenneth Katz Sheree Landerman Planning Commission The Planning Commission prepares, adopts, and amends the Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD) at least once every ten (10) years and acts upon land subdivision applications. Members Jeff Tindall, Chair Jennifer Batchelar, Vice Chair Sharon Thomas, Secretary Josh Falco Jessica Parise Lydia Tedone Brian Watson Tara Donohue Willerup Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Boards & Commissionsas of March 12, 2025 Elected (cont.)Town of Simsbury, Connecticut Zoning Commission The Zoning Commission regulates all land and buildings within the Town based on the Zoning Regulations. The Commission decides on site plan and special permit applications, applications to change regulations, and acts as the Town’s Aquifer Protection Agency. Members Bruce Elliott, Chair Tony Braz, Vice Chair Kate Beal Shannon Leary Diane Madigan Tucker Salls Alternates Jackie Battos Josh Michelson Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBOA) The Zoning Board of Appeals hears and decides requests for variances from the Zoning Regulations, appeals of zoning enforcement decisions, and decisions made by the Building Official. Members Joann Hogan, Chair Ram Kaza, Secretary Sheree Landerman Doug McKown Peter Myers Jonathan Yeisley Alternate Leo C. Cain Jr. 1047 Aging & Disability Commission The Commission advises the Selectmen on the needs of Simsbury’s older adults and disabled individuals, and evaluates the services and events designed to enhance their quality of life. The Commission advocates for the elderly and disabled by promoting sources that provide appropriate information, assistance, and support services. 2024-2025 Accomplishments With the Commission, the Board of Selectman designated the month of June as Accessible Reserved Parking Awareness Month. The Commission’s community event “Picnic at the Farms” for persons with disabilities, their friends and families, was at the Simsbury Farms Ice Rink. More than fifty (50) individuals attended. The Commission sponsored Souper Thursday luncheon in October at the Senior Center. The luncheon consists of a special soup, sandwich and dessert and is rounded out by local entertainment and a fashion show. There was no charge for seniors. Two (2) students from Simsbury High school were added to the Commission as ex-officio members. For the first time ever, submitted a proposed budget to the Town to assist with the funding of the Commission’s programs and services. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Boards & Commissions (Appointed) as of March 12, 2025Town of Simsbury, Connecticut A Social Connections Program (“Sweet Connections”) was held on September 22 at the Library. Attendees participated in activities and developed crafts. Eight (8) students from the high school volunteered. More than fifty (50) people attended. nd A new initiative was started called, “Coffee with the Commissioners.” Two commissioners attended the Tuesday lunch at the Senior Center every other week. The commissioners served coffee and discussed issues concerning seniors. The Commission held two (2) sensory events for individuals with autism. One was a Halloween Sensory Event held in October and the other was a Sensory Santa Event held in December. A sensory movie was held in March at the Simsbury Public Library. Thirty (30) people attended. Continued to provide consultation and support to the Coordinator of the Simsbury Senior Center. The Age-Friendly Community Subcommittee met every month from July, 2024 through June, 2025 (except once) with the to establish an Action Plan for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) pursuant to the Town’s recognition as an Age-Friendly Community; an initiative the Commission supported. 1148 Aging & Disability Commission 2024- 2025 Accomplishments (cont.) Based on the Town-wide 2022 survey, and the three 2024 focus groups the Commission conducted, the subcommittee drafted a 27-page Action Plan focusing on four (4) domains of livability with needs identified by residents: Housing, Transportation, Outdoor Buildings and Spaces, Social Isolation, and Connection. The Action Plan was delivered to the BOS for review/comment in June and presented at the July BOS meeting. Collaborated with the Police Department for a mock traffic stop for drivers and passengers with autism in June at Westminster School. Instrumental in the Town being awarded $2,500 for the AARP Community Challenge Grant. The Grant focuses on our Aging-in-Place initiative. The first Grant activity took place June 12 with an Aging-in-Place seminar at the Library featuring Kate Kellett, a gerontologist from the UConn Center on Aging, and Liz Cornish, New Season in Life. An Aging-in-Place Expo is planned for September 12, 2025 at the Library featuring the NEAT Smart Home from Oak Hill. th Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Boards & Commissionsas of March 12, 2025 Appointed (cont.)Town of Simsbury, Connecticut 2025-2026 Goals Advocate for a new Community Center to be utilized for multi- generational/intergenerational programming Advocate to the BOS to again proclaim June as Accessible Reserved Parking Awareness Month. Advocate for affordable housing development. Provide Souper Thursday Event a minimum of three times per year including Senior Fashion Show. Provide annual summer event for Simsbury residents with disabilities, their families and friends. Provide sensory friendly/relaxed events quarterly for Simsbury residents with disabilities, their families and friends including a Halloween and Santa/Holiday event. Work to ensure local businesses are educated with regard to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 1249 Aging & Disability Commission 2026-2027 Goals (cont.) Conduct educational seminars for the elderly and the disabled. Address accessibility for Town buildings, events and recreational areas including the Simsbury Performing Arts Center. Maintain and promote a Disability Resource list to include employment, transportation, recreation and services. Establish and maintain relationship with Simsbury School District. Educate/promote “driver safety envelopes” for individuals with special needs. Collaborated with the Police Department on police officer communication. Maintain working relationship with government officials. Members Edward LaMontagne, Chair Janet Beatty, Vice Chair Margaret Haldeman, Secretary Valerie A. Finney; Cheryl Cook; Libby Easton-May; Anne Erickson Mary Sandra Fleet; Michael Jennings; Kathryn Robbins; Jennifer Seiderer Alternates Davina Fogel; Claire Corbett; Deborah Glass; Mary Henault Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Boards & Commissionsas of March 12, 2025 Appointed (cont.)Town of Simsbury, Connecticut Building Code Board of Appeals The Building Code Board of Appeals meets at the written request of an appellant or other aggrieved party to review their challenge to the interpretation of the CT Building Code by the Building Official. Members Joann Hogan, Chair Charles Warren Jr., Deputy Chair William Egan Charmaine Seavy Todd Thode Alternate Rene Daguerre-Bradford Conservation Commission - Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency The Commission-Agency is responsible for preserving the natural resources of the Town and administers regulations regarding the use and protection of designated wetlands and watercourses. Members Margery Winters, Chair Jason Levy, Vice Chair Joseph Campolieta, Secretary Jason Berman; Donald Eaton; Charles Haldeman Alternates Sue Brittell; Alison Wilcox 1350 Culture, Parks & Recreation Commission The Commission is committed to the recreational activities and facilities, and long-range planning, for the cultural needs of the Town. Members David Bush, Chair Christine Boswell Lori Coppinger Kelly Kearney Elizabeth Keppel Michelle Lipar Erik Petersen Laura Riley Timothy Walczak Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Council The Council’s mission is to represent the community at large and serve as Diversity Champions to help Simsbury become more inclusive. Members Cheryl Cook, Chair Nicole Kodak, Vice Chair Rick Brush; Carol Clark-Flanagan Meg Evans Mary Margaret-Girgenti Tenesha Grant Devonna Hall Chari Chester-Anderson Yesenia Rivera-Ortiz Alex Reger Cassie Taylor Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Boards & Commissionsas of March 12, 2025 Appointed (cont.)Town of Simsbury, Connecticut Economic Development Commission (EDC) The Commission is comprised of members representing the Simsbury development and business community, with expertise regarding land use, marketing, public relations, communications, and tourism. The Commission develops the economic resources of the Town and advances the Town's economic development goals. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Reconstituted and achieved full membership status. Implemented a Granby-Simsbury Chamber of Commerce “business spotlight” at regular meetings to speak with local business owners. Recommended a “SeeSimsbury” tourism destination webpage/app. Recommended a local business listening tour and micro grant program. Partnered with Simsbury Main Street Partnership to assist with a commercial vacant office space data project. Invited board and commission chairs to discuss economic development. Germinated the idea to organize a Chamber of Commerce First Selectman Candidate Forum and a Brews and Boos event. Members Charmaine Seavy, Chair Matthew Arthur, Vice Chair Tom Earl; Michael Scursso; Kevin O'Keefe; Leland Holcomb; Matthew Natcharian 1451 Fair Rent Commission (FRC) The Commission was originally established in 1986, and after many years of inactivity, was reestablished in 2023. The Commission works to control or eliminate excessive rental charges on housing accommodations within Simsbury. The Commission has the power to make studies and investigations, conduct hearings, and receive written complaints relative to rental charges or proposed increases in rental charges on housing accommodations within the Town of Simsbury. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Reestablished and updated their ordinance and rules of procedures. In 2024, commissioners were identified and later appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The Commission successfully heard its first case in September, 2024, providing a positive outcome for both tenant and landlord. The Commission successfully heard one more case this fiscal year. Members Karin Stahl, Chair Stephanie Yocum, Vice Chair Kevin Lyden, Secretary Jackie Battos Nichole Perreault Alternates George Tolhurst Maxine Asnis Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Boards & Commissionsas of March 12, 2025 Appointed (cont.)Town of Simsbury, Connecticut Historic District Commission (HDC) The Commission is responsible for preserving the historic features of the East Weatogue Historic District while promoting the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the public through protecting physical historic characteristics of buildings and places. Members Selectwoman Heather Goetz, Chair Dianne Mead, Vice Chair Patricia Hyyppa Elaine Lang Erin Leavitt-Smith Alternates Chad Alfeld Mark Nyquist Ieke Scully Hometown Hero Selection Committee The Committee designates residents as “Hometown Heroes” for any deed or service that has made the Simsbury community a better place in which to live. Members Wendy Mackstutis, First Selectman Heather Goetz, Selectwoman Melissa Brett T.J. Donohue Elaine Lang Sabrina Teixeira 1552 Housing Authority (SHA) The Housing Authority is a non-profit organization responsible for operating the Town’s Dr. Owen L. Murphy Apartments and the Virginia Connolly Residence. The Authority is dedicated to providing subsidized, affordable, housing for Simsbury’s elderly and disabled adults. Members Cheryl Cook, Chair Mary Sandra Fleet, Vice Chair Amber Abbuhl Pradeep Bajaj Joyce McKusick Open Space Committee The Open Space Committee is responsible for advising the Board of Selectmen in identifying land suitable for Town acquisition or preservation. Members First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis, Chair Bruce Elliott Kelly Kearney Erin Leavitt-Smith Margery Winters Karyn Cordner Susan Masino Helen Peterson Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Boards & Commissionsas of March 12, 2025 Appointed (cont.)Town of Simsbury, Connecticut Police Commission The Police Commission is the citizen oversight board of the Police Department. The Commission is responsible for Department personnel matters, investigates citizen complaints against Department employees, and prepares a proposed budget for the Department. Members Tenesha Grant, Chair Jennifer Caulfield Eric Lemke James Traficante Michael Long Public Building Committee The Public Building Committee oversees the design and construction of all major Town and school projects. Members Richard Derr, Chair Michael Egan, Vice Chair Ryan Burns, Secretary William (Bill) Clegg Lucian Dragulski Dagny Griswold David Moore John Salvatore 1653 Recycling Committee The Recycling Committee is a temporary committee established to facilitate the operation of the Town’s Swap Shoppe at the Transfer Station. The Committee is responsible for recruiting, training, and scheduling volunteers to staff the Shoppe; sorting, cleaning, and organizing donated items; and tracking and reporting on Shoppe usage. The goal of the Swap Shoppe is to encourage reuse of items and reduce the amount of waste generated. Members Joseph Daly; Rosemary Fusco; Susan Ray; Mary Turner Sustainability Committee The Committee advises the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education on sustainability policy for the Town and Public Schools. The Committee prepares a Clean Energy Plan provides education and resources to Simsbury residents and Town officials regarding sustainability initiatives and efforts. The Committee promotes community awareness of programs and services to those who are interested in sustainable actions that can be done at their homes and businesses, supports Simsbury’s certification efforts in the Sustainable CT program, and provides recommendations on the long-term energy, or sustainable goals and initiatives, for the Town and Public Schools to consider pursuing. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Boards & Commissionsas of March 12, 2025 Appointed (cont.)Town of Simsbury, Connecticut Sustainability Committee 2024 - 2025 Accomplishments In keeping with the POCD’s emphasis on sustainability and resiliency, the Committee developed a Simsbury Sustainability Plan that would begin a conversation and help to set goals for our Town moving forward. To get feedback and suggestions, the Committee presented an initial draft to the Board of Selectmen in September, 2024 and the Board of Education in November, 2024, and since then has worked with DPW Director Roy and Jason Casey of the BOE to refine targets, goals, and initial areas of focus. The Simsbury Sustainability Plan will be presented again to the Board of Selectmen in October, 2025. On May 3, 2025, the Simsbury Sustainability Committee and the Simsbury Public Library hosted the second annual Simsbury Sustainability Fair. The event hosted fourteen (14) clean energy and sustainability contractors and twenty (20) not-for- profit and municipal organizations, including Simsbury Water Pollution Control, the CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, the CT Agricultural Experiment Station’s beekeeper, and two UConn Master Composter graduates. Over 900 people from Simsbury and neighboring towns visited the Fair. 1754 Sustainability Committee 2024-2025 Accomplishments (cont.) The Committee continued to publish a monthly newsletter on sustainability topics in our Town. Issues this year have focused on the Simsbury Sustainability Plan, the PowerSmart Campaign, sustainable practices in new building projects, supporting pollinators, local birds, and biodiversity. All issues of the newsletter are available on the Town website. The Waste Working Group of the Committee recently secured $5,000 in grant funding from the Carton Council to facilitate recycling of well over 100,000 juice and milk cartons annually, which were currently being thrown away. This is a pilot program at Simsbury High School and Squadron Line Elementary School and is part of the Waste Working Group’s broader efforts to help Simsbury Schools become compliant with the State Recycling Mandate. In January 2025, Simsbury High School started a recycling initiative that included recycling signage in classrooms, better signage and more recycling bins in the cafeteria, and educational sessions with students. Squadron Line Elementary ran a similar recycling program in 2024 and plans to build on that in 2025-26. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Boards & Commissionsas of March 12, 2025 Appointed (cont.)Town of Simsbury, Connecticut2025 Simsbury Sustainability Fair photos 1855 Sustainability Committee 2024-2025 Accomplishments (cont.) The Committee led a tour to the new USA Waste state-of-the-art recycling facility in Berlin, CT and supported Clynk to improve bottle/can recycling at Stop & Shop in West Simsbury. In February, 2025, the Committee partnered with PowerSmart, a community-based, 20-week campaign to promote residential battery storage plus solar for your home. The campaign discussed the financial benefits of owning solar and battery storage, the federal and state incentives, as well as the environmental advantages. The campaign included a presentation by PowerSmart’s Vice President, Bob Wall, on February 25 at the Simsbury Public Library, a webinar on March 26 and a virtual information session on June 10 .th In order to promote awareness of net- zero buildings in Simsbury, the Sustainability Committee partnered with the Ethel Walker School to host a tour of their new energy efficient dorm with solar panels. Members Jami Lewchik, Chair Bayard Faithfull, Vice Chair Michael Schulitz Ex-Officios Holly Beum; Robert Crowther; Joe Daly; Michelle Lipur; Lydia Tedone Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Boards & Commissionsas of March 12, 2025 Appointed (cont.)Town of Simsbury, Connecticut Technology Task Force The Task Force assists the Town in developing a comprehensive technology platform, staffing, and services strategy. The Task Force works with residents, Town employees and other entities to evaluate existing IT services, processes, and infrastructure in order to make recommendations to integrate emerging technologies as appropriate. Members Michael Doyle, Chair Stephen Alexander; Harald Bender; John Jahne; Matthew Lidestri; Evan Marks; Robert Perissi; William Rucci; Prashant Sathyamangalam Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) The Authority is responsible for establishing the policies concerning the installation of sanitary sewers and the operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Members Paul Gilmore, Chair Jacques Brignac Lucian Dragulski Thomas Hickey Edward Kelly Dr. Michael Park Jerry Sheehan 1956 Public Safety Committee The Public Safety Committee is a subcommittee of the Board of Selectmen, created to coordinate and centralize, all Town emergency management efforts and services including law enforcement, fire, and ambulance. Members Selectwoman Heather Goetz, Chair Diana Yeisley, Selectwoman Ex-Officios Tom Fitzgerald, Deputy Town Manager Thomas J. Roy, P.E., Director of Public Works/Town Engineer Nicholas Boulter, Chief of Police Karin Stewart, Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association Director Gary Wilcox, Simsbury Fire District Board President Todd Myers, Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mike Berry, Emergency Management Director Neil Sullivan, Assistant Superintendent for Administration (BOE) Stephanie Johnson, Farmington Valley Health District Director Mark Massaro, Eversource Energy Senior Specailist Kristin Kelley Sarah Nielsen Jim Traficante Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Boards & Commissionsas of March 12, 2025 Appointed (cont.)Town of Simsbury, Connecticut Juvenile Review Board (JRB) The JRB is a program established to provide an alternative to Simsbury youth who are in trouble with the criminal justice system. They consider referred juvenile cases and offer recommendations. The JRB promotes positive, restorative measures for Simsbury youth. The JRB is comprised of Town staff as well as community members including: Community and Social Services, Police Department, Simsbury Schools, Culture Parks & Recreation, Board of Selectmen, YMCA, a Probation Officer, counseling services, and local Clergy. The Board heard six (6) cases during the fiscal year. Youth Services Advisory Board (YSAB) The YSAB is established to provide strategies, programs, and services to assist youth and their families to help support positive youth development and healthy family relationships. The Board works to identify current challenges facing our youth in the areas of juvenile justice, mental health needs, positive youth development, and community outreach and involvement. The Board is compromised of: 2 School Resource Officers, Culture, Parks & Recreation staff, a Teen Librarian, Community Social Worker, 2 School Psychologists, 1 Student Representative, and a BOS liaison. 2057 YSAB 2024 - 2025 Accomplishments The Board met four (4) times over the course of the fiscal year. Hosted multiple intergenerational programs including: Tie-Dye, Pasta & Pumpkins, New Years’ Bingo, Ice Cream Social, Line Dancing, arts and crafts, and more. Helped provide funding to support multiple Town events including: Pride Picnic, Easter Flashlight Egg Hunt, Touch-A-Truck, and Skate and Share. Provided funding for six youth to access mental health services. Provided scholarships for seventeen youth to facilitate access to summer camps, family pool passes, and after school extracurricular activities. Provided at no cost to residents a Safe Sitter Class and a Home Alone Safety Class. A total of seventeen youth participated in these safety classes. Provided informational events for youth and their guardians on; Digital Citizenship for middle school students, Hidden in Plain Sight for guardians, and Internet Safety for both high school students and their guardians. Provided half-day programming for elementary school students with West Hartford Children’s Museum focusing on STEAM learning. A total of fifty-six youth participated in these half-day events. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Boards & Commissionsas of March 12, 2025 Appointed (cont.)Town of Simsbury, Connecticut Retirement Plan Subcommittee Established by the Board of Finance, the Retirement Plan Subcommittee assists the Board to supervise and maintain the Town’s pension and Other Post Employment Benefit (OPEB) Trust investments. Members Steven Antonio, Deputy First Selectman Heather Goetz Todd Burrick Brian Watson Robert Helfand Philip Schulz Design Review Board (DRB) The DRB advises the Planning & Zoning Commissions on site planning, building design, and signage. The Board advises property owners and developers on methods of preserving Simsbury’s visual resources. Members Elaine Lang, Chair Anca Dragulski Doug McKown Joleen Benedict Polly Rice Andrew Tarpill Alternate Kristin DuBois 2158 Appointed (cont.) 2025 Charter Revision Commission Per the Town of Simsbury Charter, the Board of Selectmen is required to conduct a review of the Charter every seven (7) years through the appointment of a commission. In September 2024, the Selectmen established the 2025 Charter Revision Commission by resolution. The Selectmen provided initial recommendations for potential Charter changes and directed the Commission to solicit input from Simsbury boards and commissions, as well, as Town departments. All regular meetings of the Commission, with one exception, were recorded by Simsbury Community Media and included opportunities for public comment. In addition, the Commission extended invitations to all boards and commissions to provide input, either in person or in writing, on Charter provisions relevant to their respective responsibilities. Upon completion of its review, the Commission will conduct a second public hearing to receive public feedback and submit a draft report to the Town Clerk. The Selectmen will then review the report, hold their own public hearing, and vote to either accept the draft as presented or return it to the Commission with comments for further consideration. The final step in the process will be a town-wide referendum. Members Kris Barnett, Chair Paul Henault, Vice Chair Jeff Tindall, Secretary Ronald Jodice Melissa Brett Robert Helfand Jacqueline Maulucci Lalitha Shivaswamy Jesse Schofield Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Boards & CommissionsTown of Simsbury, ConnecticutCommission pictured above from left to right: (top row) Commissioners Helfand, Maulucci, Brett, Shivaswamy, Jodice, Schofield, and Specialist Barrueco; (lower row) Vice Chair Henault, Chair Barnett, and Secretary Tindall 2259 Information Technology (IT) The IT Department oversees the daily technology operations of all municipal offices spanning approximately eleven (11) worksites including the Police Department, Fire District, Simsbury Public Library and Simsbury Farms Complex. Additionally, IT supports the Board of Education Central Office, Regional Probate Court Office, and the Simsbury Housing Authority. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Participated in newly amended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Fire District, further supporting their IT environment. Implemented the Public Safety Data Network to support law enforcement with state sponsored internet services, application connectivity, and support services, including enhancements to body and MDT video recording. Participated and completed a Security Assessment Project with an independent consultant, as well as conducted first ever Town sponsored Cyber Security Tabletop exercise. Completed installation of Wi-Fi networks and equipment within Town Offices and other facilities. Increased video surveillance posture in designated areas i.e., Town Hall, Ballot Box, Public Library, and Public Works Campus. Increased Town-wide security posture introducing continuous security awareness and features. Attended quarterly meetings with Simsbury’s Technology Task Force, IT Steering Committee, and Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) Region 3 Cybersecurity Task Force on technology security, activities, issues, and recommendations. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportDepartments & ServicesTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 2360 Finance Department The Department consists of the financial administration, assessor, and tax offices. It’s mission is to provide the highest level of fiscal integrity and inter- departmental support through training, prudent policies and business practices within procurement, payroll, accounts payable, accounting and reporting, tax collection, and debt management. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Maintained fund balance reserve of at least 15.5%. Fiscal Year 2023/24 year-end savings, along with General Fund reserves in excess of 15.5%, resulted in about $3.9M being transferred to the Capital Reserve Fund to be used for future capital needs. Completed the annual financial audit for Fiscal Year 2023/24 with an unmodified opinion from the audit firm Clifton, Larson & Allen LLP, the highest opinion possible. Prepared the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report in accordance with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) certificate program. Received the GFOA certificate for excellence in financial reporting for the Fiscal Year 2022/23 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Continued shared financial services between the Town and Board of Education. Completed Fraud Risk Assessment. Applied for the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. Implemented electronic budgeting via financial management software for capital projects. Implemented key items from the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award recommendations. Completed the 2023 motor vehicle supplemental list for December billing. Contracted consultant services to perform additional personal property audits. Completed the annual personal property field survey and 2024 personal property declarations. Began creation of the 2024 real estate grand list for timely completion. Maintained tax collection rate in excess of 99% while providing pleasant and efficient service to taxpayers. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 2461 Town Clerk The Town Clerk’s Office serves as the liaison between our local government and state agencies and the residents and patrons of Simsbury. The mission of the office is to efficiently and accurately provide information with the highest quality of customer service. The Office receives and maintains extensive records concerning real estate transactions, vital records, elections, meeting minutes, military discharges, notaries public, justices of the peace, trade name certificates, and other historical documents dating back to the seventeenth century. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Awarded $7,500 grant from the Connecticut State Library Historic Documents Preservation Program to continue the preservation and conservation of the Town Clerk’s permanent records. Issued absentee ballots during General Election and Budget Referendum. Processed over 2,900 land recordings. Prepared and issued over 1,300 vital records. Prepared and issued over 2,800 dog licenses. Hired and began training a new Assistant Town Clerk. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 2562 Department of Public Works (DPW) The Department manages and maintains the Town’s infrastructure and is comprised of six (6) divisions: Administrative, Highway, Building and Grounds, Landfill and Recycling, Water Pollution Control, and Engineering. The Admin. Division is responsible for budget preparation, administration, operational planning, contracting, purchasing, energy procurement, MS4 compliance, personnel, and community outreach. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Assisted in applying for, receiving, and implementing a Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant of $160,000 for the Station Street one-way to two-way project. Staff is finalizing design plans and the project will be put out to bid in January 2026. Applied for, awarded, and implemented a CT Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Active Transportation Microgrant of $5,000 to install bike racks at Town Hall and Eno Memorial Hall, as well as, a bicycle repair station in front of the DPW Campus. In May, 2025, DPW Director/Town Engineer/Tree Warden, Thomas J. Roy, P.E. was recognized as a ‘Top 10 Public Works Leader of the Year’ in the United States. This competitive and national award is bestowed annually by the American Public Works Association (APWA), recognizing honorees for their professionalism, expertise, and dedication to improving the quality of life in their communities through the advancement of public works services and technology. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, ConnecticutThe APWA Top 10 award presentation at the May 12, 2025 Board of Selectmen regular meeting. Pictured from left to right: Selectman Beal, Selectwoman Yeisley, Director Roy, Deputy First Selectman Antonio, Selectwoman Goetz, and Selectman Looney. 2663 DPW 2024-2025 Accomplishments (cont.) Hosted two (2) regional Household Hazardous Waste events at the DPW Campus in October, 2024, and June, 2025, and serviced more than 1,500 vehicles from Avon, Canton, Farmington, Granby, Simsbury, and Suffield, keeping significant amounts of hazardous waste from contaminating household trash/recycling collected by the contracted trash haulers in this area. DPW also conducted a Fall leaf collection for residents at no charge. On May 10, 2025, DPW cohosted an Open House and Touch-a-Truck event at their Campus with the Simsbury Public Library. They presented Raylan Bleimeister (Simsbury native and social media influencer: ‘the Hard Hat Kid’) with his certificate of membership into the APWA. With the help of Simsbury DPW, Raylan became the national organization’s youngest member ever! The event had over 400 kids and families in attendance. They also raised money and collected nonperishable food for the Social Services Food Pantry. Supported and staffed dozens of Public Building Committee, Sustainability Committee, and Recycling Committee meetings. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 2764 Highway Division The Highway Division maintains 165 miles of Town-accepted roadways, including nearly 4,000 catch basins, the storm drainage system, roadside mowing, sign and guide-rail maintenance, and care for trees within the Town’s roadway right-of-way. 2024-2025 Accomplishments On August 2, 2024, the Town experienced an unprecedented weather event identified as a ‘wet microburst’. No severe weather or tornado warnings were issued ahead of this event. The microburst caused significant property damage across the Town but, fortunately, resulted in no loss of life. The Division, working throughout the night, and into the next day, with Eversource, ensured roads and power lines were accessible. On August 4 the Town coordinated cleanup efforts with the CTDOT, which provided 5 tree crews of 18-20 team members, for two days. th The crews, equipped with bucket trucks, chippers, and front-end loaders, worked with DPW to clear debris from roads and manage tree debris pushed onto properties within the Town’s right-of-way. In just 7 days after the storm, the majority of roadside debris had been cleared and removed. In total, the Town collected approximately 3,000 cubic yards of brush and debris. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 2865 Highway Division 2024-2025 Accomplishments (cont.) Completed over five hundred (500) service requests from residents, ranging from the inspection of potentially hazardous trees to concerns about drainage; illegal dumping to sign repairs or replacement; potholes to slippery road conditions; trimming/mowing roadsides to improving sightlines; and more. Paved just under 11 miles of roadway, including 4.7 miles of micro- surfacing, as part of the ongoing pavement management program, utilizing a variety of paving processes to ensure the long-term quality of the Town’s roadway network. Included in this paving work were extensive drainage repairs to ensure the proper control of stormwater to prevent ponding on the roadways, thereby improving the safety and longevity of the Town’s roads. Cleared the roads for 27 winter events of varying degrees and swept 330 gutter miles, as required by the MS4 program. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 2966 Buildings & Grounds Division The Buildings & Grounds Division is responsible for the inside and outside maintenance of, and safety for the public and employees inside and around, the four large Town-owned buildings (Town Hall, Public Library, Eno Memorial Hall, and Scout Hall), the Community Farm on Wolcott Road, six rental properties, a service facility, a commuter bus shelter, and the Old Tariffville Cemetery. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Received over 1,370 work orders and completed 1,334 (97% of work orders completed). These included varying requests, like reorganizing offices, setting up and breaking down meeting spaces, building access, plumbing and HVAC repairs, replacing light bulbs, cleaning requests for the holding cells in the Police Department, restocking supplies, landscaping, snow removal at Town-owned buildings, and much more. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut Beyond daily responsibilities, the Division updated the Eno Memorial Hall Craft Room. The space was given a fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling as well as upgrades to the lighting--including new LED fixtures-- allowing us to reduce the total number of fixtures by one-third. Staff removed the old sink and the flooring received an epoxy coating, increasing durability while also spiffing it up nicely. Finally, new cabinets were brought in to complete the room. Coordinated the replacement of the roof on the Public Works Truck Wash. This project entailed not only new roofing shingles, but also replacing 142 sheets of bad plywood in the process, as well as installing new gutters. 3067 Engineering Department The Department provides professional infrastructure design, project management, and planning services that sustain and improve the current quality of life for Simsbury residents and businesses. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Lead the permitting and construction process for the six (6) new pickle-ball courts at Tariffville Park, bringing the project through the various approval processes, including the Conservation Commission-Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency application and presenting before the Board of Selectmen. Staff selected the vendor and oversaw the construction of the courts themselves. Carried out a $2.7M rehabilitation project of the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge (est. 1892) to bring it back to life. The work included a full painting, new decking, and structural steel repairs. This work was conducted in a manner to protect the Wild and Scenic Farmington River. The Buildings and Grounds and Highway Division assisted with the final touches, reinstalling the flower boxes. We hosted a reopening ceremony on June 18, 2025, to welcome the community back to the bridge. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 3168 Water Pollution Control (SWPC) The WPC is a customer-funded utility owned and operated by the Town of Simsbury. The Towns of Avon and Granby are also co-owners of the treatment facility. WPC is responsible for the operation and maintenance of over 80 miles of collection system, five (5) pumping stations and the treatment facility. The facility is staffed by a superintendent, an assistant superintendent, five operators, two mechanics, a construction inspector, and an administrative secretary. During the summer, seasonal staff is used primarily for easement maintenance. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Installed a new grit washing system which provides an efficient and cost- effective solution for washing and dewatering grit, while reducing organic content and eliminating disposal costs, at an annual savings of approximately $30,000. Continued efforts to reduce treatment costs by performing home inspections to eliminate “clean water” from roof leaders, sump pumps, and curtain drains from entering the sanitary sewer system. Performed video inspections of the system to identify potential problem areas that will be corrected with future projects, including root control and sewer lining. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 3269 Simsbury Public Library (SPL) The Simsbury Public Library inspires our community to discover and connect, enriching lives while approaching the future together. The Library provides free and equal access to information, experiences, and educational resources that build relationships and inspire a lifetime of learning. 2024-2025 Accomplishments The Summer Reading Program had a record high participation, with over 3,000 people of all ages taking part. Partnered with For All Ages and the Aging and Disability Commission on Sweet Connections, an intergenerational, interactive program to help end loneliness in the community. Partnered with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council on the 2 Annual Human Library. nd Partnered with the Simsbury Sustainability Committee on the 2 Annual Simsbury Sustainability Fair. nd In October, the community celebrated 150 years of library service in Simsbury with an ice cream social. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 3370 Simsbury Public Library 2024-2025 Accomplishments (cont.) Began reqular outreach to the Virginia Connolly and Owen Murphy Apartment residents. Innovators’ Workshop, the Library’s makerspace, was reimagined and redesigned. It is now open and Library staff available to assist users with the equipment. Meet the Merchant and Meet the Maker programs and displays continued through the Business and Career Center. These activities highlight local businesses and entrepreneurs. The popular Yes, Chef! Programs continued as local chefs demonstrated their skills and promote their businesses using the Library’s mobile cooking (“Charlie”) cart. Received a Public, Educational and Governmental Programming and Educational Technology Investment Account (PEGPETIA) grant to upgrade technology in the Technology Learning Center. This grant money also partially funded the Library’s regular technology replacement for the year. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 3471 Community & Social Services Department & Senior Center The Department assists residents with their social, emotional, and economic needs. Services help residents achieve self-sufficiency, maintain economic well-being, and adjust to difficult circumstances and events in their lives. Their major programs include services to families, youth, older adults, and persons with disabilities. The Senior Center provides a community focal point where older adults come together for programs that reflect their experience and skills, respond to their diverse needs and interests, enhance their dignity, support their independence, and encourage their involvement in and with the Center and their community. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Continued to serve as an intake site for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Staff completed 165 applications, which facilitated $109,990 in federal heating assistance. Continued to serve as an intake site for the Renters' Rebate for Elderly/Disabled Renters’ Program. Staff completed 156 applications resulting in $70,078 rebated to our residents. 40 families, totaling 85 children, were provided a gift card and supplies through the Back to School program, with a total of $4,250 worth of gift cards distributed. This fiscal year, $1,185 was utilized to purchase supplies for the program. 53 families consisting of 111 children were provided toys and gifts for the holiday season, through the Holiday Gift Program and four seniors received holiday gifts. These gifts were provided by the generosity of 70 local donors. Continued to provide small grants to people experiencing financial emergencies and struggling to meet their basic needs. Funding is made available through private donations, trust funds, and the Salvation Army. Through our private donations, 31 households were assisted with their electric costs, oil deliveries, rent, and more for a total of $17,953. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 3572 Community & Social Services 2024-2025 Accomplishments (cont.) Continued to act as the Local Salvation Army. A special opportunity happened this year where staff was able to utilize $2,500 to purchase sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels for the children who are part of a household registered for the Food Pantry. Additionally, 4 households were helped with a payment toward their rent for a total of $3,000. The Salvation Army also funded our produce for one Cheese Day distribution. Through the Darling and Southwell Trusts, an additional 16 households were assisted with payments toward oil, electricity, and rent for a total dollar amount $7,886. The Department has a trust to assist Simsbury seniors with unpaid medical needs like doctor bills and pharmacy costs. This year, eight (8) seniors were assisted with medical expenses totaling $4,100. This year, the Food Pantry moved operations due to the Holy Closure of its current location. The Pantry was successfully relocated to the First Church of Christ Simsbury. The Food Pantry provides a host of products including: non-perishable food items, household cleaning products, toiletries, and paper goods to registered participants. Each month, staff provides multiple fresh produce options, and often have clothing and household items. The monthly food distribution event, Cheese Day, continues to serve an average of 74 households. This year, assistance was provided to 156 households who collectively made over 1,000 visits to the pantry. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 3673 Community & Social Services 2024-2025 Accomplishments (cont.) Guided the Youth Services Advisory Board, where residents are assisted with grants around Positive Youth Development. The YSAB supports programming at Eno, the Library, and Culture, Parks & Recreation. More than 40 programs were offered including: half day programming at Eno and the Library, educational programming for parents, intergenerational programming, and a babysitting course. 6 children received financial supports to assist in accessing therapeutic treatment, 17 children received grants to participate in enrichment activities such as music and athletic lessons, and summer pool passes. Additionally, this grant provides supports to the Simsbury Public Schools to purchase unfunded classroom and sensory supplies as well as the purchase of a vaping detector. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 3774 Community & Social Services 2024-2025 Accomplishments (cont.) Continued to provide support and services to older adults who have utilized emergency services. Wellness calls are made to provide resources and assistance following a 911 call. A total of 1,029 calls, averaging 86 calls per month, were made. There were over 70 home visits completed this fiscal year supplying support to our seniors. The STEPS to Safety Committee continues to promote programs to help prevent falls in older adults. This includes the STEPS program and Matter of Balance. This fiscal year, fourteen (14) residents participated in the STEPS program, and 100 residents participated in Matter of Balance. Staff also started a Matter of Balance class with McLean Home providing an addition location for our residents. The Department has a certified CHOICES counselor who provides Medicare counseling and assistance with enrollment to older adults and persons with disabilities. This year thirty-seven (37) people were helped. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 3875 Community & Social Services 2024-2025 Accomplishments (cont.) The Department performed 11,067 points of service, spanning all requests, including assistance and referrals. This is an average of 45 points of service per workday. The Senior Center performed 5,983 points of service, spanning all requests for assistance or referrals; an average of 24 points of service per workday. The Senior Center scheduled over 300 AARP Tax-Aide tax preparation appointments at the Public Library. The AARP Tax-Aide Program is funded by the AARP Foundation and provides tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. A total of 325 tax returns were prepared and advisory services were provided to another 15 individuals. The Center organized 38 Dial-A-Ride Jump-on-Board Trips. These fun and sought-after, extra trips include CT restaurants, sites, and shopping. Favorite trips this past year were to the New Britain Museum of American Art, Clinton Outlets, and Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale in Westbrook. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 3976 Planning & Community Development Department The Department’s mission is to provide responsive, efficient, factual, balanced, and transparent building, planning, and land use expertise to Simsbury’s residents, businesses, elected and appointed officials, and other stakeholders. The Department provides leadership across various disciplines: Current Planning (review of site plans, special exceptions, subdivisions, re- zonings, land use/building permits, and certificates of zoning compliance) Building Inspection and Plan Review Services Environmental Planning (Wetlands Management) Hazard Mitigation Planning (Flood Plain Management) Historic Preservation Long Range, Comprehensive Planning & Implementation (Open Space, Plan of Conservation and Development [POCD]) To ensure a safe built environment, the Department reviews, interprets, and implements the Connecticut Building Code, a collection of model electric, fire safety, mechanical, plumbing, energy and other codes. The Building Division coordinates activities across departments such as the Assessor’s Office and Fire Marshal and fosters relationships with agencies as the CTDOT), Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other state licensing organizations. The Department provides staff support to the Town’s elected and appointed boards and land use commissions including the Board of Selectmen, Planning Commission, Zoning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, Design Review Board, Historic District Commission (HDC) and the Conservation Commission-Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency (CC-IWWA). Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, ConnecticutArtistic Rendering of Luminary Meadows (apartments development) 4077 Planning & Community Development 2024-2025 Accomplishments Managed the year-long public process for the 2025 Tariffville Neighborhood Plan. Initiated a Zoning Commission-driven Housing Strategies Tool Kit aimed at expanding housing opportunity in Simsbury. Performed 403 Zoning Compliance inspections. Performed 4,004 Commercial and Residential Building Inspections (up 1,000 from prior year). Collected fees totaling $1,527,417 on $73,435,168 in construction value, the highest since FY2021. The Building Department performed plan review and inspections services for significant projects including the Luminary Apartments, Nest Childcare, Raising Canes, Goddard School, and the sustainable Ethel Walker Dorm. Total construction value in FY 23-24 was $45,880,519. The Department provided value and expertise to the Board of Selectmen, Zoning [Aquifer Protection Agency] and Planning Commissions, Conservation Commission-Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency, Design Review Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and East Weatogue Historic District Commission. The chart below illustrates application review activities by the land use commissions over the last six calendar years: 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Zoning Commission 33 28 31 43 30 16 Conservation Commission - IWWA 30 39 28 29 24 18 Historic District Commission 6 2 2 5 10 6 Zoning Board of Appeals 9 5 6 12 14 14 Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 4178 Police Department (SPD) The Department is committed to providing a wide array of quality public safety services in a professional and sensitive manner to all through a community policing philosophy. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Reaccredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council (CPOST), meeting, or exceeding, national/state standards and best practices through a 4-year review. Maintained and increased engagement with community through programs such as K9 Clifton, social media posts, meetings with groups, organizations, and associations and hosting a junior police academy, a citizen police academy, and a mock traffic stop event for drivers and passengers with autism. The Records Division met staffing goals and advanced storage and office renovations, technology, and procedures to advance efficiency and adjust to demands of service and facility limitations. Most of the patrol fleet has been replaced with hybrid vehicles, continuing energy efficiency and fossil fuel reduction efforts. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut Expanded use of existing software and hardware technology for administration, documentation, crime prevention and discovery, investigations, and safety. Examples are the addition of a dashboard to the website for public access crime and activity data and trends, and numerous success stories where roadside cameras solved crimes, identified vehicles involved in criminal activity, prevented crime, and located a missing juvenile.Officer Ball with K9 Clifton 4279 Culture, Parks & Recreation Department The Department seeks to provide quality leisure opportunities which contribute to the environment, needs, and interests of the people of Simsbury. Recreation is recognized as a necessary service to the community and as an integral part of Simsbury’s health and welfare. The Department is a source of community pride and is responsible for the operation and maintenance of Town parks, recreational facilities, open spaces parks, and programs. The services and programs provided by the Department are important factors in the quality of life in the community, and are integral to the Town’s health, welfare, and attractiveness. The Department provides a variety of programs from arts and crafts to summer camps, athletics, music, and specialty programs. Indoor programming primarily takes place at the Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex. In addition to the Director, there is one full-time Recreation Supervisor and one part-time Program Coordinator, one Administrative Secretary, ten full-time parks maintenance staff and four full-time golf maintenance staff. The department also employs approximately eighty seasonal and part-time and staff. Most are hired as part-time help during the summer recreation period. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, ConnecticutPhotos from the 2025 Simsbury Farms End of The Summer Blast 4380 Culture, Parks & Recreation 2024-2025 Accomplishments With the financial assistance from the Friends of Simsbury Farms, two (2) new ADA accessible water bottle fillers were installed at the Simsbury Farms Golf Course. Additionally, the Friends of Simsbury Farms financially supported improvements to the swing play area at Simsbury Farms and sponsored the End of Summer Blast Fireworks Show. Installed, with the help of the Engineering Department, six (6) new pickleball courts at Tariffville Park in June, 2025. These pickleball courts have been heavily used by residents of all ages. Replaced the softball infield at Tariffville Park. This much needed project, partially funded by the Simsbury Coed Softball League, greatly improved the condition of the infield, making it safer and easier to maintain after inclement weather events. Hosted an End of The Summer Blast family event at Simsbury Farms attended by over 4,000 residents. Free community concerts were held at the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge and the Tariffville Green and many families attended the popular Father’s Day Weekend Touch a Truck event at Simsbury Farms Rink. This event allowed families to get up close to many pieces of equipment used to maintain Simsbury’s parks and recreation facilities including the Simsbury Farms Golf Course. New athletic field irrigation systems were installed at the lower level baseball fields at Memorial Park. This project, included a pump replacement, and was completed in the Spring of 2025. The Simsbury Farms Golf Course surpassed over 43,000 annual rounds for the second time in nearly 20 years. The Golf Course has once again become a popular destination for local golfers, charity golf outings and competitive golf events thanks to the hard work of our Golf Course Maintenance and Pro Shop teams, the Friends of Simsbury Farms and local clubs who have contributed to course enhancements and costs of maintenance equipment at the course. The Culture, Parks and Recreation continued expanding the ‘AEDs In Our Parks’ program. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. They are designed for use by laypersons and can be found in public spaces to help save lives during emergencies. In FY25, AEDs were installed at Curtiss Park, Memorial Park, and Orkil Field. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 4481 Registrar of Voters (ROV) The Office of the Registrar of Voters is run by two part-time Registrars, elected for a four-year term. The Registrars are the Administrators of Elections. In addition to conducting elections, referenda, primaries, and early voting, they are responsible for voter education, conducting the annual canvass of registered voters, maintaining the accuracy of the voter registry list, the storage, maintenance, and setup of all election and polling place equipment, and the hiring and training of all election officials and workers. The Registrars work with school officials to ensure polling places are secure, conduct supervised balloting at care facilities, election day registration and voting, maintain the chain of custody for election equipment security prior to elections and during the mandatory two weeks following a vote, conduct post-election audits and recounts as mandated by the state, and help Town committees and candidates in preparations for their caucuses. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Enrolled over 1,300 new voters by fiscal year mid-point with total enrollment at 19,757. Administered August Senate Primary with seven days of early voting, November Presidential Election with fourteen days of early voting, and May budget referendum. Administered close vote recanvass of 8 Senatorial District following November election. th Processed 1,428 absentee ballots for the Presidential election, including 160 ballots administered by supervised voting conducted at three separate assisted living facilities. Completed first full scale launch of early voting, with 8,407 residents voting early over a 14-day period. Registered 195 new voters on Election Day via Same Day Voter Registration. Recruited, trained, and scheduled more than 100 poll workers. Conducted information campaign for return of voting to Latimer Lane School. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 4582 Board of Education (BOE) The Simsbury Public Schools (SPS) cultivate the mind, body and character of each student. We engage students with a meaningful and rigorous academic foundation so that they can contribute to a global society with integrity, compassion, and resilience. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Simsbury High School (SHS) was named a Project Lead The Way Distinguished School for the third year in a row. 1 student was selected as a 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar and is one of 161 high school graduates in the U.S. to receive this award. 17 DECA students competed in the DECA International Career Development Conference, winning awards in membership growth, promotional campaigns and community service. SHS was 85% proficient on Connecticut’s Next Generation Science Standards Assessment. 89% of students who took an AP test scored 3+, and 80% of the Class of 2025 took at least one AP course. Henry James Memorial School (HJMS) News was created with students reporting on events at school and in the community. 1 SHS student was a National award winner at the Scholastic Art competition in the category of Drawing/Illustration. Tootin’ Hills School students, in conjunction with ImmaCare, carried on their 37-year tradition of providing 300 sandwiches to the homeless shelter in Hartford. 84 students were inducted into the Massaco Chapter of the National Honor Society. 1 SHS student was the winner of the Navy Band Young Artist Solo competition. SHS Girls Lacrosse Team won the Class L State Championship. All schools participated in the CCMC PJ Day and raised $21,067 in funds to support research to end childhood cancer. 207 students qualified for the AP Scholar Award; 87 students qualified for the AP Scholar of Distinction; 12 students earned the Capstone Diploma; 1 student earned the AP International Diploma. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 4683 Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association (SVAA) The primary mission of the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association, Inc. shall be to fulfill its contract for the Simsbury Primary Service Area. The Association shall also provide other services to the community as may be considered integral to its responsibility as the emergency medical service (EMS) provider for the Town of Simsbury. The Association shall manage its affairs in a fiscally, administratively and medically sound manner consistent with that of a contemporary EMS organization. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Participated in several public outreach programs including helping with the Junior Policy Academy, Touch-A-Truck and Daycare Camps, and Simsbury Celebrates. Continued to provide CPR training, Stop the Bleed training, and Initial Emergency Medical Technician training classes. Provided standby services for the Hartford Symphony Orchestra concerts and numerous road races within Town. Received the silver recognition from the American Heart Association Mission Lifeline. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut In addition to their continuous 911 coverage with their primary ambulance, SVAA continues to provide its Secondary Response Unit (SRU) to cover seven days a week from 7 am to 7 pm. 4784 Simsbury Fire District (SFD) The Simsbury Fire District was formed at a special meeting held on June 5, 1944 in order to finance the equipment and training needed by the newly formed Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company. The Fire District is a separate body of government within the Town with the sole purpose of financing the fire protection system through the levying and collection of taxes. The District has an Executive Committee and three fire commissioners, which are all volunteer positions. The Executive Committee is elected annually at a town meeting for two-year terms with the President and Clerk terms beginning in odd years and the Vice President and Treasurer terms beginning in even years. The Fire Commissioners are appointed by the Executive Committee for alternating three-year terms. The Fire District employs a team of dispatchers for 24/7/365 dispatching coverage, a fire marshal and deputy fire marshal, a full-time apparatus mechanic, and maintenance personnel who oversee District facilities and fire hydrant maintenance and repairs. There are nine (9) Full time and eighteen (18) part time employees along with 115 Volunteer Firefighters, Auxiliary, and District members. 2024-2025 Accomplishments This year is a transitional year with the retirement of the Volunteer Fire Company Chief, who also serves as the District Administrator, of twenty (20) years. Continued implementation of the ongoing truck replacement schedule with the replacement of a new rescue truck scheduled next. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 4885 Housing Authority The Simsbury Housing Authority (SHA) is dedicated to providing safe and affordable housing for limited income seniors and individuals with disabilities. 2024-2025 Accomplishments The residents from the Virginia Connolly Residence (VCR) collected toys for children every year for Christmas & Santa comes & Picks up the Saks! The Garden Club continues to provide plentiful produce from their garden. Held Annual Picnic at the Dr. Owen L. Murphy Apartments. Held Annual Halloween Costume Contest. Started a Chair Yoga Class at the VCR. The Chief of Police continued to visit once a month to the VCR for a coffee hour. St. Mary’s Church continued to hold a Mass once a month at Virginia Connolly. Schedule a podiatrist to visit every ten (10) weeks. The Housing Administrator completed a national eight (8) week senior “Matter of Balance” program. Our Board of Commissioner’s meets once a month on the second Friday of the month. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 4986 Regional Probate Court The Simsbury Regional Probate District serves the towns of Avon, Canton, Granby, and Simsbury and is located in the Simsbury Town Hall. David C. Shepard was elected as Judge of the Simsbury Regional Probate District for the 4-year term commencing January 4, 2023. The mission of the Court is to assist individuals and families residing in the district who require the services of the court in an efficient and compassionate manner. The Court strives to ease the process as much as possible knowing that during stressful times it is difficult to cope with the unknown. 2024-2025 Accomplishments Accepted 254 applications for probate of decedent’s estates. Filed 188 small estate affidavits and tax purposes only estates. Processed 39 applications for Conservatorships. Processed 108 applications for Name Change and several applications for Guardianships of the Estate and Person of minors, Guardianships of the Intellectually Disabled, Termination of Parental Rights, approval of Adoptions, Name Changes and various trust matters. Board of Finance FY2025 Annual ReportTown of Simsbury, Connecticut 5087 Fiscal Year Mill Rate (Real Estate & Personal Property) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 30 32 34 36 38 40FY Town Mill Rate Fire District Mill Rate 2021 37.09 1.19 2022 37.41 1.22 2023 37.41 1.22 2024 30.82 1.00 2025 32.26 1.05 Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Financial Overview (Mill Rate & Grand List)Town of Simsbury, Connecticut*FY2024 - Revaluation* **Mill Rate includes Fire District**2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 $2,000,000,000 $2,500,000,000 $3,000,000,000 $3,500,000,000 $4,000,000,000 Fiscal Year Grand List FY Grand List 2021 $ 2,679,517,115 2022 (Reval) $ 3,401,767,901 2023 $ 3,403,758,671 2024 $ 3,385,020,798 2025 $ 3,440,893,561 5188 Property Taxes $ 109,245,073 89.62% Intergovernmental Revenues $ 8,089,299 6.64% Investment Income $ 2,125,000 1.74% Charges for Goods & Services $ 1,565,585 1.28% Licenses & Permits $ 741,886 0.61% Rental of Town Owned Property $ 114,900 0.09% Fines & Forfeitures $ 9,977 0.01% Other Local Revenues $ 7,390 0.01% Total Revenues* $ 121,899,110 100% Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Financial Overview (Revenues)Town of Simsbury, Connecticut*Does not include Transfers from Other Funds ($ 841,297)* 5289 Board of Education & Nonpublic Schools $ 85,806,368 68.79% Debt Service $ 8,032,550 6.44% Fringe Benefits & Insurance $ 7,329,847 5.88% Public Safety $ 6,493,705 5.21% Public Works $ 5,194,433 4.16% Transfers to Capital Fund & Other Funds $ 3,601,995 2.89% Culture & Recreation $ 3,017,914 2.42% General Government $ 1,878,684 1.51% Financial Services $ 1,819,962 1.46% Health & Welfare $ 889,791 0.71% Planning & Development $ 678,094 0.54% Total Expenditures $ 124,743,343 100% Board of Finance FY2025 Annual Report Financial Overview (Expenditures)Town of Simsbury, Connecticut 5390 Team Title(s) Department Marc Nelson & Tom Fitzgerald Town Manager & Deputy Town Manager’s Office Amy Meriwether & Melissa Appleby Finance Director-Treasurer & Budget Director/Risk Manager Finance Nic
This record is longer than the page shows. The original file above is complete.