Simsbury Selectmen OK $1.3M+ For Projects, Ambulance Service

SIMSBURY, CT — The Simsbury Board of Selectmen approved more than $1.3 million in year-end funding requests Oct. 14, including money for the Apple Barn project, ambulance service, fuel costs, police equipment and improvements to Simsbury Town Hall.

The board considered the requests as part of a discussion about using savings from the 2025-26 fiscal year to address capital needs and anticipated expenses.

Simsbury Town Manager Marc Nelson said using year-end savings for capital projects could reduce borrowing costs and ease pressure on future budgets.

He also raised concerns about the Simsbury Board of Finance's guidance limiting bonding to $5 million annually and $10 million over two years, saying postponing capital projects could ultimately increase their costs.

Nelson said the town is already anticipating budget pressures next year, including rising health care costs.

Apple Barn Project Receives $600,000

The board voted 4-1 to approve $600,000 toward repurposing the Simsbury Apple Barn, one of the town's ongoing capital projects.

The Apple Barn is a historic, town-owned indoor event and meeting facility located on the property of Simsbury Farms at 60 Old Farms Road in West Simsbury.

Nelson said the town had already received $300,000 in state funding for the project.

Simsbury Public Works Director and Town Engineer Tom Roy said additional funding would allow architectural work to continue and potentially support site improvements.

Nelson also said having a complete project package would strengthen the town's ability to pursue congressionally directed spending.

Selectman Curtis Looney opposed the additional funding, reiterating his position from a previous meeting that the town should not commit more than the $300,000 already secured.

Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis, Deputy First Selectman Steve Antonio, and selectmen Diana Yeisley and Mike Paine supported the request.

Ambulance Service Receives $86,000

The board unanimously approved $86,000 for the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association to address financial difficulties.

Chris Kelly, representing the association, said its financial projections had not materialized as expected.

The association anticipated a 4% increase in ambulance transports, but actual transports declined approximately 2.9%, resulting in an estimated $300,000 revenue difference.

Kelly also cited higher-than-anticipated inflation.

He said the association's reserves, which previously ranged from $100,000 to $300,000, had declined to approximately $36,000, with $30,000 already being used for expenses.

Nelson said discussions had begun about the town's financial commitment to the ambulance association over the next several years.

Mackstutis said an audit of the association's finances would also be conducted.

Town Approves $300,000 For Fuel Costs

Selectmen unanimously approved $300,000 to address potential fuel cost increases affecting town operations and the Simsbury Board of Education.

Roy said the town typically purchases fuel futures approximately 18 months in advance to help manage costs.

However, market conditions and the war involving Iran had contributed to higher fuel prices, he said.

Roy presented several potential cost scenarios based on 12 months of fuel purchases.

He said any unused money would be returned to the town.

Town Hall Entrance Improvements Spark Debate

The board approved $85,000 for improvements to the Simsbury Town Hall entrance, including a proposed glass storefront enclosure.

Roy said the existing entrance has problems with rusting stair treads and could benefit from better lighting, temperature control, and protection from the elements.

The improvements could also help keep the entrance ramp dry.

Mackstutis questioned approving the expenditure before a final design was available.

She also asked why the project could not be considered through the regular capital budget process.

Roy said design work could not proceed without funding.

The motion passed 3-2, with Looney, Yeisley and Paine voting in favor and Mackstutis and Antonio opposed.

Police Protective Equipment Approved

Selectmen unanimously approved $72,915 to replace ballistic vests and helmets used by the Simsbury Police Department.

Simsbury Deputy Police Chief Chris Davis said the department's existing helmets had exceeded their five-year service life, while certain protective vests would need replacement next year.

The proposed replacement equipment includes lighter-weight protective plates that can be inserted into officers' external vests.

Davis said the changes would improve the equipment's efficiency and make it easier for officers to use.

Nelson said purchasing the equipment now would reduce pressure on next year's budget.

Other Projects Receive Funding

The board also approved several additional expenditures:

• Simsbury Public Library reference materials — $23,000: The board unanimously approved a one-time request for library materials that had been removed from the previous budget. Paine emphasized that the expenditure should remain a one-time request.
• Roofing assessments — $65,000: Selectmen unanimously approved hiring a roofing contractor to evaluate town building roofs and improve long-term capital planning. Mackstutis questioned the value of the assessments without including school buildings.
• Gateway signs — $40,000: The board voted 4-1 to fund new signs welcoming visitors to Simsbury. Roy will develop a proposal addressing design and placement. Mackstutis opposed the expenditure.
• Town Hall office realignment — $35,000: Selectmen unanimously approved reorganizing office spaces to bring department employees closer together and improving the main meeting room dais for boards and commissions.

Simsbury Deputy Town Manager Tom Fitzgerald said the office changes would address situations in which employees in the same department work in separate areas of town hall.

The board also unanimously approved capital transfers and the closing out of completed projects.

Next Steps

Town staff will move forward with the approved expenditures, including continued planning for the Apple Barn, Town Hall improvements and equipment purchases.

The town will also continue discussions about future financial support for the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association and its long-term capital needs.

The board's actions came as officials began considering how current spending decisions could affect the next municipal budget.

For the minutes of the Oct. 14 Simsbury Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.