On the agenda: Greenwich meeting — automated license plate (Feb 19)

1. BET Budget Committee Departmental Budget Reviews Day 4 | 2-19-2026
Documents:
BET BUDGET DEPT BUDGET REVIEWS 2-19-2026 PUBLIC NOTICE.PDF
2. BET Budget Committee Department Budget Reviews 2-19-2026 Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
Documents:
BET BUDGET DEPT REVIEWS 2-19-2026 MINUTES - STA DRAFT WEB.PDF

TOWN OF GREENWICH
BOARD OF ESTIMATE AND TAXATION
BUDGET COMMITTEE
Thursday, February 19, 2026 – 9:00 AM
Town Hall Meeting Room
Also on Greenwich Community Television
Channels 24 (Verizon), 79 (Optimum) and GCTV YouTube Channel

FISCAL YEAR 2026 – 2027 DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET REVIEWS DAY 4:
9:00 AM – Finance
11:00 AM– Assessor
12:30 PM– Police
1:30 PM– Parking Services

The Budget Committee of the Board of Estimate and Taxation will hold a public meeting to
review proposed departmental budgets for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Department representatives
will present their Operating and Capital budget requests and respond to committee questions.

The Town complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination, equal opportunity, affirmative action, and
providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate, please contact
the Commissioner of Human Services at 203-622-3800 or [email protected] as soon as possible in advance of the
event.

TOWN OF GREENWICH
BOARD OF ESTIMATE AND TAXATION
BUDGET COMMITTEE
Thursday, February 19, 2026 – 9:00 AM
Town Hall Meeting Room
Committee:

Laura Erickson, Chair, Harry Fisher, Doug Fenton, Joe Kelly

Staff:

Joan Lynch, Comptroller; Agnes Cawai, Budget Director; Leo Berisha, Executive
Asst. to Comptroller; Carolyn Fay, Senior Accounting Supervisor; Natasha
Yemets, Treasurer; Megan Damato, Director of Risk Management; Lauren Elliot,
Assessor; Taylor Miniter, Assistant Assessor; Lu Ann Bellatoni, Business
Services Manager for Parking Services; Roderick Dioquino, Business Office
Coordinator for Parking Services

Police:

Jim Heavey, Chief; James Bonney, Deputy Chief; Eric Scorca, Captain; John
Slusarz, Captain; Patrick Smyth, Captain

BET:

Leslie Tarkington, Sally Bednar, David Weisbrod, Elliot Alchek, Matt DesChamps
FISCAL YEAR 2026 – 2027 DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET REVIEWS DAY 4:

The Budget Committee held departmental budget hearings to review and discuss the proposed
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operating and capital budgets for: Finance, Assessor, Police & Parking
Services
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT:
Staffing & Table of Organization
The department completed a major leadership transition, including new title structures and the
creation of a Deputy Comptroller role. The Finance Customer Service Representative title was
simultaneously reclassified to Accounts Payable Clerk. Two vacancies remain open: the
Accounts Payable Coordinator (posted) and the Assistant Budget Director.
Operating Budget
Regular salaries reflect a $16,000 (6.6%) increase driven by the part-time to full-time
conversion. Professional and Other Services of $340,000 covers external and internal audit
fees, with $75,000 charged back to the Board of Education. Bank and credit card fees are held
consistent with prior years; in FY2025, $299,000 of the $324,000 total represented credit card
processing fees, with bank fees partially offset by an earnings credit.
Accounts Payable Modernization
FY2027 funding includes implementation of SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services), a
Tyler/MUNIS module providing structured financial data access that serves as the foundation for

BET Budget Committee Departmental Budget Reviews Day 4 Meeting Minutes – February 19, 2026 – Subject to Approval

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future automation. The longer-term vision is full purchase-to-pay cycle automation beginning at
the purchase order stage; full implementation funding is anticipated in FY2028 or later, pending
staffing and readiness. Purchasing is supportive, vendor records have been reduced from
approximately 50,000 to 5,000, and the Audit Committee's ongoing IT assessment will address
related security questions.
Revenues
The First Selectman's recommended budget totals $543,544,685, a 4.33% increase, with a mill
rate increase of 6.01% as submitted. Property taxes represent 90.35% of total revenues; postrevaluation, Greenwich's grand list stands at $46.2B, up from $36.8B, with the final mill rate to
be calculated using post-reval figures in May. Key revenue adjustments for decision day include
federal reimbursements increasing from $0 to $2.5M (three identified DPW grants), PILOT
adjusted to $1,111,003, and interest income expected to rise from $5M to approximately $6M
pending the Investment Advisory Committee's Friday review.
Fixed Charges
The Fixed Charges budget totals $191M, a 5% increase ($9.18M), driven primarily by an
$8.195M net healthcare cost increase. The final state healthcare rate is expected in the 12–15%
range, likely near 14.5%, and may not be finalized before the March 3rd decision date. The
Nathaniel Witherell contribution is budgeted at $2M (down from $5M in FY2026) and remains
under discussion pending that department's presentation; staff was asked to provide a 5–10
year loss history prior to Tuesday's meeting.
Insurance (Risk Management – Megan Damato
Insurance increases are driven by casualty exposure, fire engine physical damage claims,
expanded property coverage, and a large December 2024 liability payout expected to affect
premiums for approximately five years. The property statement of values is being fully updated
this year; the new Central Middle School is currently under builder's risk and will transfer to the
property program upon CO issuance. A cross-departmental cybersecurity task force meets
monthly and has contributed to flat or declining cyber premiums; enterprise risk management
and a building inspection program are under active development overseen by the Audit
Committee.

ASSESSOR:
2025 Grand List & Revaluation Overview
The 2025 revaluation reflects significant real estate market appreciation since the last
revaluation in 2021, with the overall grand list increasing approximately 26% to
$46,327,381,275. Residential properties, representing 82% of the grand list, grew from $29B to
$38B, a 28.5% increase Commercial properties increased approximately 19% and apartments
increased 23%. After an estimated $110M reduction for Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA)
adjustments, the net grand list is approximately $46.2B (valued at 70%).
Real Estate Exemptions & Credits
Real estate exemptions nearly doubled from $9.5M to $18M, driven by a new state statute
exempting the dwellings of 100% disabled veterans from taxation; approximately 14 veterans
qualified. Elderly tax relief is treated as a credit rather than an exemption, budgeted at
approximately $900,000 annually, with eligibility based on age (65+), income (under $86,500),
and assessed value thresholds.
Motor Vehicles & Personal Property

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Motor vehicles increased 5.3%, now valued on the basis of MSRP; this approach creates some
variation in individual assessments but stabilizes year-over-year valuations. The change was
prompted by the spike in used car prices during the pandemic. Personal property, covering
business equipment across approximately 3,600 accounts, increased just 2%; non-filers are
subject to assessed penalties per state statute.
Appraisal Methodology & Statistical Standards
State standards require a coefficient of dispersion (COD) under 15; Greenwich has achieved
CODs under 10 across all residential and condominium districts, reflecting a well-calibrated
assessment model built and refined over three revaluations. The overall assessment-to-sale
ratio is approximately 92%, within the required 90–100% range, with property value increases
ranging from 25–35% by district, and condominiums increasing approximately 35%. Commercial
properties are valued primarily using an income approach (applied to approximately 95% of
accounts), reconciled against sales and cost approaches.
Tax Appeals
There are currently only five pending tax appeals from prior grand lists, with one expected to be
settled imminently. The BAA process concludes by March 31st, providing the BET with a clearer
picture of grand list reductions by early April. Any court appeals following BAA decisions would
not result in settlements until the following fiscal year.
Revaluation Cost & Inspection Process
The 2025 revaluation cost approximately $810,000, comparable to the $850,000 spent in 2005
despite general cost inflation, due to technology efficiencies and sustained consultant familiarity
with the municipality. Property inspections are conducted on a rolling physical basis,
supplemented by GIS, MLS data, and building permit reviews, ensuring each parcel is inspected
at least once every 10 years as required by state law.
Assessor Operating Budget
The Assessor's budget (Department 135) reflects a slight decrease of 0.7% with no changes to
the Table of Organization. No questions were raised on the operating budget.
Lunch recess was held and the meeting reconvened at 12:35 PM.

POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Overview & Public Safety
Calls for service remained relatively flat, though financial crimes and DWI enforcement
increased due to proactive policing efforts. Greenwich ranked 7th safest city in Connecticut per
SafeWise, one of only two Fairfield County municipalities in the top 10. The department recently
achieved Tier 1, 2, and 3 state accreditations, with Tier 3 being the highest level available.
Operating Budget
The total budget reflects a 4.57% increase, with 90% of costs attributable to payroll. Key cost
drivers include a 22% increase in Motorola radio system fees, mandatory cybersecurity training,
and collective bargaining agreement obligations for the Silver Shield contract. School safety
assignments — five officers covering all public schools daily, including two full-time SROs at
Greenwich High School — account for approximately 2% of the budget increase; absent those
assignments, the increase would be approximately 2.5%.

BET Budget Committee Departmental Budget Reviews Day 4 Meeting Minutes – February 19, 2026 – Subject to Approval

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Staffing & Recruitment
The department is currently 14 officers below its authorized strength of 152, the lowest in the
Chief's 15-year tenure, leaving only 137 officers available for patrol assignments. Retention is a
challenge: 36 patrol officers hold 401k plans with no pension lock-in and may leave after two
years of service. Public safety dispatches are similarly understaffed at 12 of 16 authorized
positions. Three academy seats are secured for April, but officers require approximately one full
year from appointment to active patrol duty, meaning vacancies are not quickly resolved.
Overtime
Overtime has grown from approximately 15% of salary pre-COVID to 20% currently, driven by
the need to cover open patrol positions around the clock. The regular salary and overtime lines
are managed as a combined pool, with detectives and other units routinely redeployed to cover
patrol shifts. The FY2027 overtime budget of $3M was noted as potentially understated given
current vacancies, which should be mitigated by positive variances in the salary account.
Townwide Radio System
The townwide radio system serves police, fire, EMS, highway, the Board of Education, and
numerous other entities at a projected FY2027 cost of $685,000, reflecting a 22% Motorola rate
increase. The department is in negotiations to join the Connecticut Land Mobile Radio system,
which is expected to reduce annual costs by approximately $250,000. Motorola has limited
motivation to expedite the transition as they stand to lose that revenue.
Speed Cameras
Nine automated speed cameras are deployed at school zones; eight have reduced speeding by
approximately 90%, while the North Street location has seen a 38% reduction. Approximately
7,000 tickets have been issued to date, though no revenue has yet been received as the vendor
(Blue Line) first recoups equipment costs. Per state statute, revenue must be restricted to traffic
safety purposes — education, enforcement, and engineering; a resolution is being drafted in
coordination with the Law Department and Finance, with a joint meeting scheduled for March
2nd.
Headcount Requests
Three positions were requested but not included in the First Selectman's submitted budget; all
three will be presented to the HR Committee on February 25th ahead of the March 3rd decision
date. The FOI/Records Specialist would increase from 1.0 to 2.0 FTE to address a growing
backlog of body camera footage redaction and records requests; the BET liaisons support this
as a full-time hire. A third Animal Control Officer is requested to reduce overtime reliance
(~$25,000 annually); liaisons noted current service levels are acceptable but not meeting full
community demand. The Property and Evidence Clerk would convert from part-time to full-time
to maintain Tier 3 accreditation standards.
Capital Requests
Capital items include: VDI server replacement; Town Hall security camera upgrades including
ballot box coverage; automated license plate reader program continuation; townwide radio
microwave system maintenance; UPS maintenance; dive team PPE; maintenance for police
boats 125 and 139; overhead door replacement at the Public Safety Complex (~$180,000); and
purchase of a replacement police boat 124 (~$296,000). The original boat 124 was
decommissioned following discovery of severe hull damage from electrolysis and sold at auction
for $7,500; the proposed replacement is a 25-foot Boston Whaler that would ensure two
operational vessels are always available while others undergo scheduled maintenance.
Side Job Program

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The department's centralized side job program has generated approximately $3M to the general
fund since its 2018 inception, charging vendors a $5/hour administrative fee. The program is
managed by a recently converted full-time coordinator at an annual cost of approximately
$113,000. The Committee discussed whether the $5/hour fee, unchanged since inception,
should be revisited.

PARKING SERVICES:
Overview & Staffing
Parking Services successfully relocated from Town Hall to the Greenwich Police Department on
July 1, 2025. Current staffing includes 11 full-time equivalents and approximately 4 part-time
equivalent positions, with one part-time accounting clerk vacancy currently open.
Parking Inventory
The town maintains a total of 2,580 parking spaces, a figure that has gradually declined due to
construction projects and avenue bump-outs. The department manages 468 permit and kiosk
spaces across non-railroad parking lots, and 35 kiosks across 15 parking lots. Residential
permit zones are studied and vetted on a two-week basis before designation to minimize
disruption to residents.
Revenue
Key FY2026 revenue figures include: Park Mobile $1.9M; commuter parking $1,033,000;
parking tickets and fines $1,367,000; commuter permits $900,000; coin meters $399,000; day
parkers $329,000; parking rentals $119,000; outdoor dining fees $76,000; and permit fees
$73,000. Overall meter collections were at 87%, below the historical low-to-mid 90s range,
attributed primarily to construction disruption at the lower end of Greenwich Avenue.
New Meters & Internal Audit
Four new contactless payment meters — accepting coins, credit cards, and Apple Pay — were
piloted on Greenwich Avenue, confirming continued coin usage alongside digital payments. Full
deployment of the new meters is being phased in to ensure a smooth transition. An internal
audit of Parking Services was recently completed and is in final form.
Capital Requests
Capital requests include three replacement electric vehicles ($153,000), replacement and
upgrade of 11 MSM kiosks ($215,000), and parking lot paving improvements coordinated
through DPW. The Committee flagged a duplication between the parking fund and the DPW
capital budget for paving of the Havemeyer South lot; staff will clarify and noted that the South
lot is primarily an employee lot rather than a public parking facility. The vehicle replacement
schedule, which concentrates three replacements in one year with nothing budgeted for an
extended period thereafter, will be reviewed with fleet management.
Greenwich Avenue Enforcement
Short-term red-head meters at key corners on Greenwich Avenue have helped manage delivery
vehicle turnover. Road width constraints limit additional parking options on Grigg Street, and
bicycle patrol officers provide ongoing enforcement against double parking. No additional
structural solutions were identified beyond continued enforcement.

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Adjournment:
Upon a motion made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, the Committee voted unanimously
to adjourn at 2:37 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

__________________________________
Leo Berisha, Recording Secretary

__________________________________
Laura Erickson, Chair

BET Budget Committee Departmental Budget Reviews Day 4 Meeting Minutes – February 19, 2026 – Subject to Approval

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