Ridgefield Selectpersons Review ECDC Funding, Police and Fire Upgrades

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — The Board of Selectpersons on Feb. 24 continued detailed review of the town’s proposed operating and capital budgets, debating funding for economic development, police and fire building improvements, and major infrastructure projects as it works toward final budget recommendations.

Economic Development Commission Seeks Increase

The Economic and Community Development Commission (ECDC) requested an increase in its annual budget from $35,000 to $148,000, largely to fund a part-time or full-time economic development position.

ECDC members told the board that their responsibilities have expanded in recent years to include business attraction and retention, cultural district coordination and town promotion.

“We have sort of all five burners on simmer,” ECDC Chair Bob Knight. “The current level of funding… is insufficient to power one burner.”

ECDC Vice Chair Kay Gelfman cited examples from other towns, including Bethel, where a part-time economic development position eventually expanded and helped secure state grants.

Related: Ridgefield ECDC Advances Cultural District Plans, Discusses Senior Transportation

Selectperson Maureen Kozlark expressed skepticism about increasing funding this year.

“I think that this is not the year to start adding dollars,” Kozlowski said, citing guidance from the Board of Finance and broader fiscal caution. She noted the ECDC's spend has already more than doubled over the past two budget cycles, from $16,000 to $35,000. "Is there a payback that you could identify?"

Other members suggested using existing funds to pilot a part-time contractor position before committing to larger increases. First Selectperson Rudy Marconi proposed focusing a portion of the current budget on hiring a short-term economic development professional to test the model and measure results.

The board signaled it is unlikely to support the full $148,000 request this year and will revisit the proposal after further review.

Police and Fire Facilities: Immediate Needs Identified

Selectpersons also reviewed capital requests related to the Police Department and Fire Department buildings, following two failed referendums for a new public safety complex.

The proposed capital plan includes:

• $990,000 to relocate communications equipment from the police station attic to a ground-level vault
• $287,000 for police station roof replacement
• $95,000 for police station drainage improvements
• Fire department shower upgrades, revised from an earlier proposal

Director of Public Works & Facilities Jacob Muller said relocating the communications equipment is critical regardless of long-term building decisions. The cost estimate has been verified by Norcom, and the project could begin in July if approved.

Fire Chief Rommie Duckworth said earlier plans to install showers at Yanity Gym were reconsidered after reviewing operational challenges.

“It seemed more attractive to play, on paper,” Duckworth said, explaining that transporting firefighters between facilities for decontamination would complicate response logistics. “It’s just so much more practical having firefighters remaining within the same building.”

Related: Ridgefield Public Safety Facilities Committee Adopts Guiding Principles

The board discussed a scaled-back shower renovation at fire headquarters, potentially reducing the number of new stalls to lower costs.

Marconi emphasized that improvements are necessary given uncertainty about how long police and fire will remain in the current buildings.

“There’s no guarantee” a new facility will be approved soon, he said, noting the town could remain in the existing structures for several years.

Capital Budget Now Near $11 Million

After revisions, the proposed capital budget stands at approximately $10.97 million, potentially rising above $11 million depending on final decisions.

Major capital items include:

• Highway equipment purchases
• Police and fire building improvements
• Road and bridge projects
• Recreation facility improvements
• Board of Education capital projects

Selectpersons debated whether to defer the $507,000 Parks and Recreation parking expansion at Tiger Hollow, particularly in light of the town’s pending purchase of property at Route 35 and Farm Hill Road that could provide additional parking.

Some members questioned whether parking demand justifies the immediate expense.

“I’ve been there a lot… and there’s usually a spot,” Selectperson Barbara Manners said.

Others cautioned that delaying the project may only increase costs in future years.

The board also discussed the $950,000 Tiger Hollow field replacement project, which Parks and Recreation officials have described as approaching a safety concern.

Board of Education Budget Timeline

The Board of Selectpersons also addressed scheduling challenges with the Board of Education budget review.

Because legal notice for the public hearing must be published 10 days in advance, the town faces a tight timeline. Selectpersons plan to meet Monday, March 2, and possibly Tuesday, March 3, depending on when the Board of Education finalizes its budget vote.

Marconi noted the town must approve its proposed budgets in time to meet publication deadlines.

The Board of Finance public hearing is scheduled for March 23 at East Ridge Middle School.