KENT, Conn.—After an hour and a half of public discussion, the Board of Finance Thursday, May 15, voted to send a proposed 2025-26 budget of $16,475,109 unscathed to a Town Meeting on Friday, May 30, at 7 p.m.
“I’m happy,” said Board of Finance member Rufus L. de Rham, when the board settled down to deliberate following the annual budget hearing. The others agreed that the budget should stand as presented, neither increased nor decreased.
Discussion at the public hearing had largely focused on procedures and philosophy rather than line items and Board of Finance members agreed that those issues should not be tackled at the very end of this year’s budget cycle.
During the hearing, for instance, resident Chris Garrity argued that the town does not need to have $3 million in a “rainy day” account to support municipal needs for two-and-a-half months. “We have three million sitting there and are asking people to pay more,” he said. I’m asking you to reduce it by $500,000 [to reduce the mill rate].”
He said that other towns have varying levels of funding set aside, but that Kent has never had to dip into its account for an emergency. “My question to the Board of Finance is, ‘What is your philosophy in keeping $3 million in reserve?’ I don’t believe we need it; there has never been an emergency.”
His stance was countered by resident Matthew Winter, who said he believes two months worth of reserves is “woefully inadequate.” Indeed, Winter argued that a number of items in the budget, such as emergency management, should get more funding. He asked why there was no provision for an improved audio-visual system in the Zoom Room to better allow residents to hear hybrid meetings.
Town Treasurer Barbara Herbst said the reserved funds level was recommended by the state’s finance office. “One said it was too high; one said it was too low,” she observed during post-hearing discussion.
“We have thought it through, and the world is not always flat,” said finance member Jason Wright, observing that never having had to use the fund does not mean the town never will. “With the economy as bumpy as things are, let’s keep our powder dry on this one because we don’t know what will happen,” he said.
Wright also took up Garrity’s criticism of too-small items being budgeted for in the five-year capital plan. Garrity said the standard used to be that an item had to cost $50,000 or more before it was included in the plan, which allows the town to allocate a portion of the cost equally over five years. This helps to keep the town’s spending stable for taxpayers.
Wright said issues about the capital plan should be discussed before preparation begins for the next budget cycle. de Rham said the board could look at the guidelines for the capital plan and the minimum amount to be included, but added, “I am comfortable with the way we have been doing things. I don’t feel a need to make changes.”
Garrity also expressed concern about the increasing figures for grants to help with operating costs for nonprofit organizations such as the library and the fire department. “I believe in flat funding or consistent funding,” he said. “They do great work, but at a big price.”
Fire Chief Alan Gawel admitted that the fire department’s grant request is higher, but said costs are rising across the board. “We’re trying to work with the selectmen to find a way to better utilize funding to make sure that everything is there,” he said. “The department takes lot of pride in what it does, but it’s hard to find a balance.”
Garrity referred to a plan proposed by Fire Marshal Tim Limbos to solicit donations to buy a truck for his department. “There’s nothing in the budget for a truck for the fire marshal,” he said. “I don’t see how we can allow an official to go out and fundraise. Even the selectman called the plan ‘hinky,’ which sounds dishonest. I don’t want the town to be dishonest. If we do need a truck and it is not budgeted, we should figure out next year how to get it.”
In discussion following the hearing, Wright said the finance board should plan to meet next year with the groups that receive grants. “It certainly makes sense for us to have the major grant receivers come in and talk to us,” he said.
