Ridgefield Selectpersons Approve Appointments, $26K In Refunds Amid Budget Debate

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Board of Selectpersons voted unanimously Feb. 18 to appoint members to two town committees, approve more than $26,000 in tax refunds — including a nearly $10,000 court-ordered settlement — and continue budget deliberations amid new revenue concerns from the Board of Finance.

All votes taken during the regular meeting were 4-0, with Selectperson Sean Connelly participating remotely.

Arts Council Presents Flat Budget Request

Representatives of the Ridgefield Arts Council told selectpersons they are requesting a flat budget for the coming fiscal year, describing it as a strategic decision.

Council leaders said the organization has shifted from producing events to amplifying events run by local businesses and arts groups. They cited “Make Music Day,” which costs about $2,500 annually, as one of their primary direct expenditures. Last year’s event included 115 musicians and 80 performances across 17 venues, organizers said.

See Also: Ridgefield Arts Council Sets Plans For Scholarships And Spring Events

Arts Council members said they are working to reengage the town’s cultural district designation and improve collaboration with nonprofit organizations and economic development officials. They also plan to move more content to the town website to reduce independent technology costs.

Committee Appointments Approved

The board appointed Ian Dow to the town’s Graveyard Restoration Committee following a brief interview. Dow, who cited a personal interest in Revolutionary War history and historic preservation, said he hopes to help protect 18th-century headstones and cemetery artifacts.

Committee members also discussed capital needs for cemetery repairs, including a deteriorating crypt ceiling in Old Town Cemetery and retaining walls at Maple Shade and Branchville cemeteries. No funding decisions were made.

Later in the meeting, the board appointed architect Keith Olsen to the Architectural Advisory Committee. Olsen, a licensed architect with 30 years of experience, said he would focus on balancing historic preservation with practical construction standards.

In response to a question about his approach, Olsen said buildings “have a public face” and property owners have a responsibility to respect the character of the community.

$26,095 in Tax Refunds Approved

Selectpersons approved $26,095.65 in tax refunds. The largest refund — $9,982 — stemmed from a court settlement related to an appeal involving a commercial property at 38A Grove Street. Officials said the ownership changed during litigation but the refund was ordered by court stipulation.

The remaining refunds were primarily routine motor vehicle adjustments.

Budget Pressures Emerge

During a lengthy budget discussion, First Selectperson Rudy Marconi said the Ridgefield Board of Finance has reduced projected interest income revenue by $500,000, citing expectations that federal interest rates may decline later this year.

Selectpersons said the reduction, combined with adjustments to the senior tax relief program, could significantly affect the town’s bottom line.

The board is currently projecting a 2.96 percent overall operating expense increase, including roads, which officials said aligns with prior guidance from the Board of Finance to keep increases near 3 percent.

See Also: Ridgefield Public Safety Facilities Committee Outlines Due Diligence Plan

Capital spending remains under review, particularly funding for public safety facilities and Parks and Recreation projects, including a Tiger Hollow field replacement and parking improvements. Officials said a final decision will depend in part on recommendations from the Public Safety Facilities Committee and the Board of Education’s capital priorities.

The board plans to continue budget discussions next week before presenting recommendations to the Board of Finance in March.

Other Business

Selectpersons discussed several potential town meeting items, including:

• Modifications to the Pension Commission membership structure
• Updates to the senior tax credit ordinance
• Possible sale of 29 Lakeview Drive, a town-owned property
• Adjustments to representation within the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority
• A possible leaf blower ordinance

No formal action was taken on those items.

See Also: Ridgefield P&Z Continues Sewer Pump Station Hearing, Schedules Site Walk

The meeting concluded with approval of the Feb. 4 meeting minutes and scheduling of additional budget workshops.