Newtown Borough Board Reviews Finances, Advances Queen Street Sidewalk Project

NEWTOWN, CT — The Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses voted unanimously Tuesday to accept year-end financial reports, advanced plans for a sidewalk improvement on Queen Street, and entered executive session to discuss zoning cases, according to minutes from its Jan. 13 regular meeting at Edmond Town Hall.

Members approved the December 2025 tax collector’s report by a unanimous vote after Borough Tax Collector Jodie Enriquez reported that 98.65 percent of current borough taxes had been collected. The report showed $286,502.34 in taxes collectible for the 2024 grand list and $282,628.54 in current taxes collected to date.

The board also unanimously accepted the December 2025 treasurer’s report. Clerk-Treasurer Ann Scaia reported deposits totaling $1,100 from zoning and tax collections during the month and transfers to cover payroll and invoices. As of Dec. 31, the borough’s operating and insured cash sweep accounts totaled $461,489.05, with a separate certificate of deposit balance of $61,620.93 earning 3.20 percent interest and set to mature in February.

During his report, Warden Joseph Maher said borough officials are moving forward with applications for workers’ compensation and public officials liability insurance following discussions with the town’s finance director and first selectman. Burgess James Gaston is drafting a letter of understanding between the borough and the town related to insurance matters, Maher said.

Maher also reported progress on transportation safety planning, noting that a final draft of recommendations from the Safe Streets for All initiative is expected soon. The draft focuses on improvements in three areas within the borough.

On infrastructure, the board discussed moving ahead with a previously approved sidewalk project at 21 and 23 Queen St. Maher said the town has allocated American Rescue Plan Act funds for the work, with additional borough ARPA funds expected to complete the project. He added that Public Works is expected to remove two maple trees at 21 Queen St., saving an estimated $4,000.

Zoning Enforcement Officer Joe Chapman’s monthly report, submitted in writing, outlined activity at several borough properties, including a pending accessory apartment application on Overlook Drive and ongoing review of a Main Street project by the Building Department.

With no new or old business items on the agenda, the board voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss the Castle Hill zoning cases, then reconvened and adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10.