Math Error Could Cost Southbury Taxpayers A Lot: Report

Southbury, CT - A mistake in a grant application may mean the town has to come up with $324,782 from its general fund to balance the budget by June 30, the Republican-American reports.

When the town purchased 9 properties to demolish homes in a flood zone they listed the fair market value as $1.29 million on the grant application when in reality it was $1.732 million, the Rep-Am reports. FEMA reimburses the town for 75 percent of the fair market value, and by putting down the wrong figure the taxpayers could be on the hook for the $324,884 error, the Rep-Am reports.

Current First Selectman Jeffrey Manville told the Rep-Am the error was made by the former administration but former First Selectman Edward Edelson said he's surprised that Manville didn't reach out to him to go over the issue first before pointing fingers.

Town officials are trying to have FEMA pay the additional money or the funds will have to come from the general fund.

Read the full Rep-Am story here.