Newtown Board Of Finance Reviews 2026–27 Budget, Hears Opposition To HART Funding Cut

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Board of Finance continued its review of the proposed 2026–27 budget and approved prior meeting minutes during a Feb. 12 special meeting at the Newtown Municipal Center.

The board voted unanimously to approve the minutes from its Feb. 9 meeting on a motion by James Gaston, seconded by Steve Goodridge.

Much of the meeting focused on departmental budget presentations under the First Selectman’s proposed budget.

Senior Services And Transportation Concerns

During public comment, several residents urged the board to reconsider a proposed $20,000 reduction in funding for HART bus transportation.

John Boccuzzi, Queen St., president of Friends of Newtown Seniors, said the proposed reduction could jeopardize matching grant funds and reduce transportation capacity. In a prepared statement submitted to the board, Boccuzzi said the cut could effectively result in a $40,000 service impact and asked that funds instead be directed toward senior transportation needs.

Joan Alexander, Parmalee Hill Road, told the board that the Senior Center “changes a life” for many residents and urged continued support for Senior Services.

David Kean, Walnut Tree Hill Road, also advocated for full funding for Newtown Senior Services, noting that residents age 55 and older are the town’s fastest-growing demographic.

Human Services Director Natalie Griffith later presented her department’s proposed budget, which includes both Social Services and Senior Services. She said Social Services provides benefits navigation, crisis intervention, emergency financial assistance and mental health referrals.

Griffith discussed transportation programs, including the town’s contract with HART Transit and the ARPA-funded “Newtown Easy Transit” pilot program, which has provided 747 rides since launching in September. She said ARPA funds expire Dec. 31, 2026, and that reduced HART funding could eliminate Saturday service or reduce weekday midday routes. Board members requested additional ridership data, which Griffith said she would provide by email.

The proposal also includes a combined full-time Transportation Coordinator/Administrative Support position following a recent departmental reorganization.

Parks And Recreation Budget

Parks & Recreation Director Amy Mangold, joined by Assistant Director Carl Samuelson, presented a proposed budget reflecting a 4 percent increase.

Mangold said the proposal aligns with town priorities while balancing fiscal responsibility and equitable access to programming. Cost drivers include maintenance supplies, playground repairs, contractual wage adjustments and capital equipment needs. No new staffing is proposed, though the reinstatement of a maintenance clerk was requested but not included.

Samuelson noted modest program fee increases are assumed in revenue projections, including day camp, pavilion rentals, marina fees and implementation of a $10 senior pool pass fee.

Board members asked questions about playground repair costs at Dickinson and Treadwell, Teen Center participation and expenses, marina-related salary allocations, and maintenance coordination with Public Works.

Public Works And Engineering

Public Works Director Fred Hurley, Town Engineer John Curtis and Facilities Manager Sean Heslin presented their proposed budgets.

Discussion included capital requests for cold storage reconfiguration, a forklift purchase, guardrail upgrades aligned with state standards, facilities asset management software and roadway assessment tools to support paving strategy. Hurley also addressed updates to vehicle maintenance tracking, roadside mowing equipment, employee drug testing requirements and the Town Garage HVAC and ventilation project, which may require bond premium funds to complete code-related upgrades.

Budget Authority Clarification

The board acknowledged correspondence from Finance Director Glenys Salas clarifying the maximum allowable budget under the Town Charter. An email from town counsel, included in the record, states that the Board of Finance may increase proposed budgets above those submitted by the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education. However, the Legislative Council may not increase the Board of Finance’s recommended budget above the amounts proposed by the Selectmen and Board of Education, according to the interpretation provided.

Chair John Fletcher announced upcoming budget hearings, including a public hearing on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m., followed by additional department reviews later in the month.

The meeting adjourned at 10:18 p.m.