The Docket · Government Meeting · DKT-2026-000586

On the agenda: Greenwich meeting — automated license plate (Mar 10)

Past ⚠ Agenda Watch Greenwich, Connecticut · Tuesday, March 10, 2026 — 7 months ago

About this record

The published agenda for the March 10, 2026 meeting contains: "automated license plate". The meeting has passed. The agenda stays here as a permanent public record.

WhenTuesday, March 10, 2026
Check the agenda document for the meeting time.

WhereGreenwich, Connecticut

Money$1,325,000 was at stake

On the record“automated license plate”

The agenda, word for word

Government public record — the full text of the published document, archived August 23, 2026. Gold highlighting of key terms is ours, not the original’s. Read the original document ↗

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Page 1 of 65

1. BET Budget Committee Meeting Agenda 3-10-2026
Documents:
BET BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA 3-10-2026.PDF
2. BET Budget Committee Meeting Packet 3-10-2026
Documents:
BET BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING PACKET 3-10-2026.PDF
3. BET Budget Committee Voted Agenda 3-10-2026
Documents:
BET BUDGET COMMITTEE VOTED AGENDA 3-10-2026.PDF
4. BET Budget Committee Meeting Minutes 3-10-2026 - STA DRAFT
Documents:
BET BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 3-10-2026 STA DRAFT WEB.PDF

Page 2 of 65

TOWN OF GREENWICH
BOARD OF ESTIMATE & TAXATION
BUDGET COMMITTEE
TOWN HALL MEETING ROOM
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 – 1:00 PM
1. Requests for Budget Adjustments
Number
Department
Amount
PW-4
DPW
A Fund/Various
G219 52300

$1,325,000
$1,195,000
$130,000

Purpose
Additional Appropriation
Cover Costs for Snow & Ice Control

2. New Business
 First Read of the BET Reference Manual
3. Old Business
 None
4. Approval of BET Budget Committee Meeting Minutes
 February 17, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 3
 February 18, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
 February 19, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 4
 February 24, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 5
 February 26, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 6
 March 3, 2026 Decision Day
5. Chair Report
6. Adjournment

Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. in Town Hall Meeting Room.

_____________________________
Laura Erickson, Chair

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.

Page 3 of 65

$1,325,000
$1,195,000
$130,000

Purpose
Additional Appropriation
Cover Costs for Snow & Ice Control

2. New Business
• First Read of the BET Reference Manual
3. Old Business
• None
4. Approval of BET Budget Committee Meeting Minutes
• February 17, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 3
• February 18, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
• February 19, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 4
• February 24, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 5
• February 26, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 6
• March 3, 2026 Decision Day
5. Chair Report
6. Adjournment

Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. in Town Hall Meeting Room.

_____________________________
Laura Erickson, Chair

Page 4 of 65

Town Of Greenwich
Request Form For Budget Adjustments
BET Meeting Date:
Mar-26
Application #: PW 4
Department & Division:

DPW

Action Requested:

Additional Appropriation

Date of Submission:

3/5/2026

Fund

Dept

Object

312
315
312
312

51100
51920
52300
53750

Overtime Services
Salary Transfer
Equipment Rental
Highway Materials

450,000.00
160,000.00
25,000.00
525,000.00

380

51100

Overtime Services

35,000.00

To:

A
A

Project

Desc

From:

Amount

1,195,000.00

Justification of Request:

Please see attached documentation.
This application is being submitted on behalf of the Department of Public Works, the Department of
Parking Services, and the Fleet Department.

Board Chairman

Department Head:

James Michel

Certified correct as to computations and amounts shows as appropriations to date and unencumbered
balances, with any changes given.
Date:
Comptroller:
The following action was taken at a meeting of the Board of Estimate and Taxation held on:
Vote
Clerk of the Board:

Email this form as a PDF along with any supporting documentation (in PDF Format)

Page 5 of 65

Town Of Greenwich
Request Form For Budget Adjustments
BET Meeting Date:
Application #:

Department & Division:

Parking Services

Action Requested:

Additional Appropriation

Date of Submission:

3/5/2026

Fund

Dept

Object

219

52300

To:

Project

Desc

Equipment Rental

From:

Mar-26

PS-1

Amount

130,000.00

Justification of Request:

Please see attached documentation.
This application is being submitted on behalf of the Department of Public Works, the Department of
Parking Services, and the Fleet Department.

Board Chairman

Department Head:

James Bonney

Email this form as a PDF along with any supporting documentation (in PDF Format)

Page 6 of 65

BET Applications PW-4

March 5, 2026

This request is for an additional appropriation of $1,325,000 to cover the costs for snow and ice
control. Please allocate additional monies to the line items appearing on the face sheet of this
application.
This additional appropriation will cover the costs of Highway overtime, highway materials,
overtime for Parks and Recreation staff working on BOE properties on DPW’s behalf, Fleet
overtime, and Department of Parking Services equipment rental.
This winter season has been a challenging one and the efforts undertaken to maintain safe,
secure roadways, sidewalks, etc. were quite costly. This year our total snowfall was 65 ½
inches which was more than 2 times our annual 50-year average used to build our budget. This
winter season, compounding factors affecting our labor costs were the higher snow totals with
the storms occurring nights, weekends, and holidays, and the extended cold snap, resulting in
less snow melt during the day and the need to remove the snow from the business districts and
parking lots (this operation was performed with a combination of Town staff and hired
equipment). During a typical year, approximately 2,500 cubic yards of snow are removed and
transported to the Holly Hill Transfer Station, and other approved sites in Town as needed. This
year the volume of snow removed was approximately 36,000 cubic yards, a 1,450% increase,
with efforts for the February 22 – 23 snow event on-going. Depending on the overnight
temperatures, we expect to see additional ice control days due to ice accretion (daytime snow
melt and then overnight re-freeze). As of this writing, we have used 9,500 tons of salt at a cost
of $ 875,235 (current cost is $92.13/ton). Ice control days are both labor and material intensive.
A result of the severe winter weather is also the need in spring to perform repairs to both
roadways and sidewalks damaged because of the weather, the salt, and the plowing. DPW’s
request includes funding for additional material money not only to replenish our dwindling salt
supply but also materials to allow us to perform routine work/repairs. Our labor request includes
the funds to cover the overtime deficit, currently at ~$250,000 and funds for spring clean-up and
paving operations. Labor for DPW’s BOE transfer account includes the $78,000 deficit for work
performed and not yet paid, and a cost of $61,000 not yet received. Included in this request is
an additional $20,000 which may result due to the potential for an additional event during the
month of March.
Along with the request for additional funding for DPW’s labor and material, we are including
equipment rental costs for the Department of Parking Services. The costs for this item have
been 250% of the budgeted amount to date and funds are needed for on-going removal efforts
and to carry on normal operations through June 30, 2026. DPW is also including additional
funding for Fleet Department overtime. During the major snow events, Fleet keeps their staff
working for 24-hour periods, two 12-hour shifts alternating so that the down time for Highway
vehicles is kept to a minimum. The request for Fleet labor includes the current shortfall as well
as funds needed for operations through June 30th.
DPW staff, Department of Parking Services staff, and Fleet Department staff will attend the
Budget Committee meeting to answer questions.

Page 7 of 65

FIRST READ – REFERRAL FROM POLICIES & PROCEDURES COMMITTEE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From Current BET Reference Manual, p.22

The Budget Committee
Four members (two from each party) shall be appointed biennially in January at the organizational
meeting by the Chair of the BET. The BET Chair will designate one such appointee from the
majority party to serve as Chair of the Budget Committee. The Budget Committee shall have as
its major responsibility the development of annual budget recommendations to the BET. In
addition, it shall have responsibility in the areas of long range planning. The Budget Committee
shall normally meet at 6:30 P.M. on the Tuesday prior to the regular monthly meeting of the full
BET but shall meet as often as necessary to accomplish its assignments at the call of the Chair
thereof. The Budget Committee Chair shall consult with other committee members in setting the
time and date of all meetings. In addition to the budget recommendations, the Budget Committee
shall make recommendations to the BET concerning the Town’s internal financial plans, request
for transfers and interim appropriations.
The Budget Committee must submit a recommendation to the full BET on budget items made
“subject to release”. At the time a town official requests “release”, such requests will come before
the BET Budget Committee for recommendation to the full BET.

Page 8 of 65

BUDGET PROCESS AND SCHEDULE
Authority
Town Charter, Article 2, Sec. 21.
Policy
The BET, acting through its Budget Committee and the Finance Department, conducts a
thorough review of budget requests, seeks public input, and recommends a Town Budget to
the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) for adoption in May.
The budget process is designed to fund the annual cost of Town programs as well as
infrastructure construction and maintenance. A critical element of this process is to understand
the future impact of proposed changes in Town programs and capital assets.
Multi-year planning allows and encourages all individuals working in Town government, as
well as interested citizens and organizations, to anticipate future needs and consider tradeoffs during budget preparation and debate. Departments which report to independent boards
or commissions coordinate their budgeting with the First Selectman.
The BET Budget process has six elements:
1. Budget Guidelines
2. Capital Budget
3. Operating Budget
4. Public Hearing
5. BET Budget Committee Department Reviews
6. BET Budget Committee Recommendations/BET approval
Budget Guidelines
Budget Guidelines are published by the BET to assist the First Selectman, Appointing
Authorities, and Department Heads in preparing their respective Capital and Operating
Budgets.
At a minimum, the guidelines should utilize a budget projection which contains a targeted rate
of change in the tax levy which the BET believes is an appropriate goal for the next fiscal year
after taking into consideration funds available for Capital Projects, on-going infrastructure
maintenance, contractual obligations pursuant to collective bargaining agreements, staffing

Page 9 of 65

levels and on-going program needs. All of this is developed within the context of the
community’s expectation of service levels and the cost of providing those services.
Capital Budget
The Capital Budget is updated each year by the First Selectman's Capital Improvement
Program Committee (CIP) and submitted to the BET by the First Selectman. The Capital
Budget covers the next fiscal year in detail and as many years into the future as possible, but
not less than five years in total.
The Capital Budget, before considering upgrades or additions to the Town's capital assets,
must reflect as a priority the maintenance needs of the Town's infrastructure.
Operating Budget
The Operating Budget contains a transmittal memorandum from the First Selectman that
highlights all major changes in service programs and any new initiatives.
The Operating Budget reflects the changes and funding expenses from year to year, line-byline by major object codes. In addition, a department’s Operational Plan is submitted that shall
contain in depth information on each Town Department.
Public Hearing
At the conclusion of the budget presentations by the First Selectman and BOE, the BET Budget
Committee shall hold a public hearing.
BET Budget Committee Department Reviews
The BET Budget Committee reviews the submitted budgets from the First Selectman and the
BOE and then determines those departments' object codes or programs it wishes to review in
greater depth.
BET Budget Committee Recommendations
At the conclusion of department reviews, the BET Budget Committee recommends or makes
changes to the First Selectman and BOE budgets. Any changes to the budgets require a
majority vote of the BET Budget Committee. The BET Budget Committee approved changes
are incorporated into the recommended budget which is then presented to the full BET as a
unified budget for review and discussion.
BET Action on the Recommended Budget
At the BET meeting where the BET Budget Committee’s recommended budget is reviewed
and discussed, any member of the BET may make a motion to amend or modify the
recommended appropriations. By a majority vote, the BET will either approve or disapprove
any such motion.
Seven affirmative votes of the BET are required for approval of the final budget which is to be
submitted to the RTM. Should the final budget fail to receive seven affirmative votes, the BET

Page 10 of 65

will have deemed to have “failed to act” and the current year’s budget will automatically be
submitted to the RTM for its approval together with certain adjustments as set forth in Section
24 of the Town Charter. (See Appendix for opinion from Law Department dated September 9,
2011.)
Timeline for the Budget Process
The schedule for the annual budget process is approximately as follows:
August
First Selectman convenes CIP (Capital Improvement Program) Committee to plan capital
spending for the next fiscal year in detail, and as many years into the future as possible, but no
less than five years in total.
September
Before guidelines are drafted, RTM committees hold information sessions to obtain input from the
public on items for focus in their areas of responsibility; input relayed to Budget Committee in
writing.
October
Budget Committee provides, and BET adopts and publishes spending guidelines.
September – January
1) Before departments have completed their budgets, at a meeting with RTM committee chairs
and BET, First Selectman presents his priorities in terms of services planned to meet his goals
and objectives for the Town, and Chair of Budget Committee presents spending priorities implied
by BET’s guidelines, for discussion.
2) RTM committee and BET liaisons review with relevant department budget items.
October
Capital requests due to CIP Committee.
October – November
Committee formulates CIP.
November
Selectman’s Office approves revised fee schedule.
December
1) Departments submit their preliminary operating budgets to Finance Dept.
2) Finance Dept. begins to review budgets and work with First Selectman to consolidate the
budget.
3) CIP submitted to Finance Dept. for inclusion in budget.

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4) BOE budget submitted to Finance Dept.
December – January
Finance Dept. works with all departments and BOE to clarify and refine their budget requests.
January
BET HR Committee submits to Finance Dept. a summary of all proposed changes to Table of
organization with recommendations.
February
1) Finance Dept. submits the first version of the full budget to BET Budget Committee and RTM
Budget Overview and Finance Committees.
2) BOC to provide copies of relevant sections of detail budget materials to standing committee
chairs. (RTM committees will receive the same supporting material as the Budget Committee.)
RTM committee chairs assign sections/accounts to committee members for analysis and
reporting to committee.
3) Budget Committee identifies operating and capital budget items that require discussion.
Requests communicated to department heads to allow for preparation prior to departmental
budget reviews.
4) Budget Committee holds budget reviews with First Selectman, Appointing Authorities, BOE,
and departments. RTM members encouraged to attend.
One package of Budget Committee materials will be prepared for BOE chair and RTM liaison to
department under discussion. Departments will be asked to bring extra copies of any materials
they plan to distribute in a review meeting.
RTM members may ask questions as time allows at or after meetings or submit questions,
particularly “finance” or “tax impact” questions in writing through the Chair of the Budget
Committee well in advance of the meetings.
5) Public Hearing.
6) Consolidation Day to consider additional information and finalize any open items.
7) Decision Day.
8) Budget Committee recommends appropriations, including brief narrative explaining material
changes, to full BET.
March

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1) Full BET Public Hearings.
2) BET votes on recommended appropriations.
April
1) BET proposed appropriations distributed to RTM prior to its April meeting.2) Budget briefing
for RTM members by Budget Committee.
May
1) RTM budget vote.
2) BET sets mill rate, based on appropriations as approved by RTM, the level of contingency to
be funded, tax settlements, senior tax relief, and estimated loss on collection.

Page 13 of 65

The Budget Committee
Four members (two from each party) shall be appointed biennially in January at the organizational
meeting by the Chair of the BET. The BET Chair will designate one such appointee from the
majority party to serve as Chair of the Budget Committee. The Budget Committee shall have as
its major responsibility the development of annual budget recommendations to the BET. In
addition, it shall have responsibility in the areas of long range planning. The Budget Committee
shall normally meet at 6:30 P.M. on the Tuesday the week prior to the regular monthly meeting of
the full BET but shall meet as often as necessary to accomplish its assignments at the call of the
Chair thereof. The Budget Committee Chair shall consult with other committee members in setting
the time and date of all meetings. In addition to the budget recommendations, the Budget
Committee shall make recommendations to the BET concerning the Town’s internal financial
plans, request for transfers and interim appropriations and other such matters relating to
budgetary items.
The Budget Committee must submit a recommendation to the full BET on budget items made
“subject to release”. At the time a town official requests “release”, such requests will come before
the BET Budget Committee for recommendation to the full BET.

Page 14 of 65

Page 15 of 65

Commented [L1]: This doesn’t always happen

Public Hearing
At the conclusion of the budget presentations by the First Selectman and BOE, the BET Budget
Committee shall hold a public hearing, presided by the BET Budget Committee Chair. The
presentations and public hearing generally take place in late January.
BET Budget Committee Department Reviews (“Budget Hearings”)
The BET Budget Committee Chair, with input from the Finance Department and other
Committee members, schedules a series of Budget Hearings with the BOE and Town
department heads to reviews the submitted operating and capital budgets as presented in the
from the First Selectman’s budget and the BOE and then determines those departments'
object codes or programs it wishes to review in greater depth.
BET Budget Committee Recommendations
At the conclusion of the Budget hearings and any additional meetings needed to consider the
First Selectman’s Budget department reviews, the BET Budget Committee shall convene a
“Decision Day” meeting to recommends or makes changes to the First Selectman and BOE
budgets. Any changes to the budgets require a majority vote of the BET Budget Committee.
The BET Budget Committee approved changes are incorporated into the r”Recommended
Bbudge”t which is then transmitted presented to the full BET for further action and voteas a
unified budget for review and discussion. The Recommended Budget is transmitted to the
RTM as soon as practicable so its committees and members can begin their deliberations. A
legal notice shall be posted with the Recommended Budget.

Commented [L2]: Specify the timing requirement for
this?

Page 16 of 65

BET Action on the Recommended Budget
Following the BET Budget Committee Decision Day and before the BET convenes to take
action on the Recommended Budget, an additional public hearing shall be held. At the BET
meeting (“BET Decision Day”) where the BET Budget Committee’s Rrecommended Bbudget
is reviewed and discussed, any member of the BET may make a motion to amend or modify
the recommended appropriations. By a majority vote, the BET will either approve or
disapprove reject any such motion. The Chair shall preside at all meetings and hearings and
shall have an additional vote for the purpose of dissolving a tie.

Commented [L3]: Repeating language from Sec 2b

The approved changes to the Recommended Budget shall be adopted as the “Proposed
Budget.”
Seven affirmative votes of the BET are required for approval of the Proposed Budget. final
budget and any change pages, including a listing of subject to release conditions, will be
promptly transmitted which is to be submitted to the RTM. Should the final budget fail to
receive seven affirmative votes, the BET will have deemed to have “failed to act” and the
current year’s budget will automatically be submitted to the RTM for its approval together with
certain adjustments as set forth in Section 24 of the Town Charter. (See Appendix for opinion
from Law Department dated September 9, 2011.)

Commented [L4]: Requested a copy of this opinion,
not in the Appendix

Timeline for the Budget Process
The schedule for the annual budget process is approximately as follows:
August
First Selectman convenes CIP (Capital Improvement Program) Committee to plan capital
spending for the next fiscal year in detail, and as many years into the future as possible, but no
less than five years in total.
September
Before guidelines are drafted, RTM committees hold information sessions to obtain input from the
public on items for focus in their areas of responsibility; input relayed to Budget Committee in
writing. The BET Budget Committee Chair prepares a draft budget guideline document in
consultation with the Finance Department and with input from other Committee members to be
presented as a first read at the regular meeting, if at all possible.
October
The Budget Committee takes action on the proposed budget guidelines to be recommended to
the BET at its regular meeting. Following adoption, the guidelines shall be distributed to the BOE,
Town department heads and appointing authorities.
provides, and BET adopts and publishes spending guidelines.

Formatted: Font: Bold

Formatted: Indent: Left: 0", Hanging: 2"

September – January

Page 17 of 65

1) Before departments have completed their budgets, at a meeting with RTM committee chairs
and BET, First Selectman presents his priorities in terms of services planned to meet his goals
and objectives for the Town, and Chair of Budget Committee presents spending priorities implied
by BET’s guidelines, for discussion.
2) RTM committee and BET liaisons review with relevant department budget items.
October
Capital requests due to CIP Committee.
October – November
Committee formulates CIP.
November
Selectman’s Office approves revised fee schedule.
December
1) Departments submit their preliminary operating budgets to Finance Dept.
2) Finance Dept. begins to review budgets and work with First Selectman to consolidate the
budget.
3) CIP submitted to Finance Dept. for inclusion in budget.
4) BOE budget submitted to Finance Dept.
December – January
Finance Dept. works with all departments and BOE to clarify and refine their budget requests.
January
The First Selectman’s and Superintendent’s Budget, following action by the Board of Education
shall be presented at a public meeting. Immediately following the presentations, the BET Budget
Committee shall hold a public hearing.BET HR Committee submits to Finance Dept. a summary
of all proposed changes to Table of organization with recommendations.
February/early March
1) Finance Dept. submits the first version of the full budget to BET Budget Committee and RTM
Budget Overview and Finance Committees.
2) BOC to provide copies of relevant sections of detail budget materials to standing committee
chairs. (RTM committees will receive the same supporting material as the Budget Committee.)
RTM committee chairs assign sections/accounts to committee members for analysis and
reporting to committee.

Page 18 of 65

3) Budget Committee identifies operating and capital budget items that require discussion.
Requests communicated to department heads to allow for preparation prior to departmental
budget reviews.
4) Budget Committee holds budget reviews with First Selectman, Appointing Authorities, BOE,
and departments. RTM members encouraged to attend.
One package of Budget Committee materials will be prepared for BOE chair and RTM liaison to
department under discussion. Departments will be asked to bring extra copies of any materials
they plan to distribute in a review meeting.
RTM members may ask questions as time allows at or after meetings or submit questions,
particularly “finance” or “tax impact” questions in writing through the Chair of the Budget
Committee well in advance of the meetings.
51) BET Budget Committee Public Hearings to review operating and capital requests as
presented in the First Selectman’s Budget take place. Executive sessions to be scheduled as
appropriate under FOIA exemptions.
26) Additonal meeting(s) as necessary “also known as Consolidation Days” to consider additional
information and finalize any open items.
37) BET Budget Committee Decision Day and an additional day if needed.
8) Budget Committee recommends appropriations, including brief narrative explaining material
changes, to full BET.
March/early April
1) Full BET Public Hearing(s).
2)

BET votes on recommended appropriations, resulting in the Proposed Budget which
supersedes the Recommended Budget . The BET shall also adopt the latest Grand
List submitted by the Assessor.

March/April
1) BET Proposed Budget change pages proposed appropriations distributed to RTM prior to its
April meeting.
2) All BET Members are encouraged to attend Budget briefing for RTM Committee meetings to
provide information and answers questions. Attendance shall be coordinated in advance of the
meetings to ensure adequate coveragemembers by Budget Committee.
May
1) RTM budget vote at its regular meeting.

Page 19 of 65

2) During its regular meeting, the BET sets mill rate, based on appropriations as approved by
RTM, the level of contingency to be funded, the Grand List adjusted for Board of Assessment
Appeal actions if needed, tax settlements, senior tax relief, and estimated loss on collection.

Page 20 of 65

March 31, 2011

Stephen G. Walko, Chairman, BET
Ivey Barnum & O’Mara
170 Mason Street
Greenwich, CT 06830
Dear Steve:
You have requested an opinion from this office with respect to an issue which
I understand will come before the BET this evening. In particular, the question comes
down to the vote that is needed should a motion be made to reduce an appropriation for a
particular item. I recognize that individuals hold very strong feelings on the underlying
issue and, consequently, I want to attempt to provide some background on how I arrived
at the opinion of this office.
The simple answer is that should a motion be made to reduce a particular
appropriation, the motion would pass if a majority of those present and voting agreed and
voted in favor of their motion.
As you well know, we have become accustomed to referring to the document
which contains the proposed appropriations for the ensuing fiscal year as the “budget.”
As a matter of fact the document is entitled “Proposed Budget.” While it is true that our
Charter refers to a “budget,” the term is restricted to the various reports which are
submitted to the Board of Estimate and Taxation (“BET”) annually by the several
departments of the Town. In fact, the BET neither prepares nor submits a “budget” to the
Representative Town Meeting (RTM). In fact, the RTM is not voting on the First
Selectman’s “budget,” but is voting on what has been submitted to and by the BET.
According to the Charter, the BET prepares a detailed statement of the appropriations
which it deems necessary for the expenses and conduct of the affairs of the Town for the
ensuing fiscal year. (Article 1, Sec. 22 Charter) This detailed statement of
appropriations is then submitted to the RTM for action. Hence, the budget is merely a
shorthand, descriptive term denoting a compendium of individual and separate

Page 21 of 65

2
appropriations proposed by the BET for the ensuing fiscal year. There is, therefore, no
such document as a “budget” which is capable of either approval or disapproval by the
RTM. Hence, this office has consistently ruled that when the RTM acts on the annual
“budget” it acts on specific and separate proposed appropriations each identified by
account number.
This background is important because of the debate and discussion that
references Sec. 22 of the Charter and Sec. 22(c) in particular. This section provides that
seven (7) affirmative votes of the Board shall be required to determine the proposed
appropriations. I don’t think the word “determine,” as suggested by some, can be read
alone but must be read in concert with the entire phrase “… determine the proposed
appropriations.” The act is to determine the appropriations that are forwarded on in our
budget cycle to the RTM for its consideration at its annual budget meeting. This is the
final action taken by the BET to forward this packet of appropriations to the RTM.
I know that members of the BET, and Jeff Ramer in particular, have spent a
significant amount of time in reviewing various sections of the Charter. Jeff has a very
definite opinion as to how Sec. 22(c) should be interpreted. Members of the Law
Department including myself had the opportunity to spend some time with him
discussing that. We appreciate his efforts. We respect his analysis but our opinion is that
he is interpreting too broadly the word “determine.”
It is also important to recognize that sections of the Charter must be read
together and cannot be interpreted in isolation. In particular, I would note that as a
general rule actions taken by the BET are determined by majority vote. Section 4(b) of
our Charter talks in terms of the organization of the Board and the role of the Chairman.
As you well know, it provides that in the event of a tie, the Chairman has the ability to
cast an additional vote for the purpose of dissolving a tie. There are other sections, such
as 22(c) as well as 67(a) which require particular affirmative votes for certain actions to
occur. If one were to conclude that any vote taken by the BET would have an effect on
the budget and would “determine” the appropriations, then it would require seven (7)
votes for virtually any vote taken by the BET whether procedural or not. I do not believe
it was the intent of the drafters to interpret the word “determine” that broadly. I think the
intent was to require that 7th vote when the BET was in the process of taking final action
to forward the package of appropriations on to the next level. To interpret it otherwise
would be to disregard Sec. 4 of the Charter and to take away the tie-breaking power of
the Chairman. I do not believe the drafters intended this result.
In addition, the Budget Committee puts forward its recommendations to the
full BET at this decision making meeting of the BET. Should one determine that seven
(7) votes were needed to overturn or change a recommendation of the Budget Committee,
then I believe as a procedural issue one would be giving extraordinary authority to the

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3
recommendations of the Budget Committee which I think would negate the authority of
the full BET and also be contrary to what one would reasonably anticipate was intended.
In conclusion, I will reiterate my opinion that should a motion be made to
reduce an appropriation this evening, that such a motion would be adopted if, in fact,
approved by a majority of those present and voting. The final vote to adopt the package
of appropriations and to pass them on to the RTM would require a full seven (7) votes.
Very truly yours,

John Wayne Fox
Town Attorney
JWF:cmj

Page 23 of 65

TOWN OF GREENWICH
BOARD OF ESTIMATE AND TAXATION
BUDGET COMMITTEE
Tuesday, February 17, 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; Jim Michel; DPW Commissioner; Gabriella Circosta Cohee,
DPW Deputy Commissioner; Luigi Romano, BC&M Director; Bill McCormick,
Business Services Manager, DPW; Peter Kurpeawski, Highway Superintendent;
Rich Feminella, Waste Water Division Manager; Patrick Collins, Waste Disposal
Manager; John Valerie, Building Official

BET:

Leslie Tarkington, Sally Bednar, David Weisbrod, Matt DesChamps
FISCAL YEAR 2026 – 2027 DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET REVIEWS DAY 3:

The Budget Committee held departmental budget hearings to review and discuss the proposed
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operating and capital budgets for the Department of Public Works.
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM.
OPERATING BUDGET
DPW operates across six divisions: Administration, Engineering Services, Highway, Buildings,
Parks & Trees, and Sewer. The overall operating budget reflects a 2.3% increase. The
department-wide total is 123 FTEs; a substitute page will be provided correcting the FTE count
to reflect the Communications Specialist position under Administration (6 FTEs) rather than
Engineering (8 FTEs).
Engineering. The division has two current vacancies. The town holds an MS4 stormwater
permit regulated by DEEP requiring street sweeping, catch basin cleaning, outfall testing, and
annual reporting; the compliance line was moved from capital to operating approximately four to
five years ago.
Highway, Streets, and Bridges. Snow removal overtime has significantly exceeded budget this
fiscal year with approximately 50 inches of snowfall recorded, well above the 20–40-inch
average. Several major storms fell on weekends and holidays; one storm required crews to
work approximately 30 consecutive hours. Salt supply has been constrained statewide. The
department will return to the Committee with an interim appropriation request at season's end.
Leaf collection volume increased from approximately 30,000 cubic yards in FY2023–24 to
nearly 50,000 cubic yards in FY2024–25 with no change in service area. A new traffic signal is

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being installed at Pemberwick Road and Glenville Road. Federal reimbursement of
approximately $1.8 million related to the Wesskum Wood and CMAQ Glenville safety projects
has been received and is pending transfer to the Z Fund.
Waste Disposal. Revenue is budgeted at $2.3 million, a reduction of $300,000 from the prior
year. The current MSW tipping fee charged to haulers is $119 per ton; recycling is not subject to
a tipping fee. The town's current per-ton disposal cost under contract is approximately $100 for
MSW, with recycling disposal costs also approaching $100 per ton, narrowing the financial
distinction between the two waste streams. Monthly tonnage ranges from approximately 2,300
to 2,700 tons. The current waste removal contract runs through June 2026; the department is
seeking a six-month extension through December 2026 before competitive rebid. Per-ton
disposal costs are expected to increase materially above the current 3% annual escalator.
Recycling volumes have declined to their lowest levels since single-stream recycling was
introduced.
Building Construction and Maintenance. Work order volume reached approximately 1,000
requests in FY2025, up from approximately 800 the prior year, primarily due to improved
tracking software. Building Inspection revenue for the first half of FY2026 reached $5.5 million,
approximately 70% above the historical average, driven by large-scale projects including
Benedict Court, Greenwich Country Day School, and the YWCA. The FY2026–27 revenue
estimate is set at $5.25 million. A new online permitting platform approved in December is
pending IT cybersecurity review; implementation is expected to take approximately 12 months
once cleared.
Sewer Maintenance Fund. Septic tank collector permit revenue has declined from
approximately $408,000 in FY2024–25 to $250,000 budgeted; revenue is driven by hauler
volume at Grass Island and is difficult to predict. Nitrogen credits were effectively zero in
FY2025 as the Long Island Sound nitrogen credit program has largely achieved its reduction
targets. Sludge removal costs have nearly doubled over six years from approximately $500,000
to close to $1 million; cost per ton has increased from $68.50 to approximately $150. Sewer
connection and inspection fees have not been updated since the 1980s and are embedded in
the Town Charter; this has been noted by the BET Policies and Procedures Committee for
review.
Highway Traffic Operations. The division maintains all town traffic signals, installs and
maintains signs, and performs pavement markings. Systems include detection cameras,
adaptive signal timing, speed display software, and emergency vehicle preemption. Route 1
adaptive signal technology is being implemented through a capital project.
A recess was held and the meeting reconvened at 11:03 AM.
SEWER CAPITAL
Pump Station Rehabilitation ($200K FY27). Routine rehabilitation of the Shore Road/Old
Greenwich and Byram pump stations.
Sewer Maintenance ($450K FY27). Ongoing maintenance.
Sewer Rehabilitation ($500K FY27 design; construction FY28–30). Annual inspection and
lining program for the 185-mile collection system.

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Grass Island SCADA Upgrade ($1.225M). Replaces end-of-life network hardware and
software, adds cybersecurity protections and cloud backup. Includes electrical system
maintenance for equipment dating to the 1960s with 6–8 month lead times. The facility is served
by four dedicated diesel generators.
BUILDINGS CAPITAL
Hamill Rink Replacement ($41.2M). The Board of Selectmen voted favorably to move the
project to Planning and Zoning for the Municipal Improvement process. The project is in
conceptual phase. Food service is planned as internal concessions and catering for major
events, not a full commercial kitchen, utilizing existing floor space without adding square
footage. A naming rights and public-private partnership strategy is being developed by the First
Selectman's office, following the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center model. A financial operating
plan including 12-month operations, staffing model, and revenue projections is being prepared
by Parks and Recreation and is expected before the Committee's March 2 decision date. It is
expected that the project will be operated similarly to the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course
enterprise fund model.
Horseneck Building Demolition ($420K FY27). The building is a temporary structure subject
to a P&Z condition requiring removal following completion of the Central Fire Station
rehabilitation. The building has been repurposed several times and there is continued interest in
its use as swing space. Jim Michel was requested by Committee members to consult with the
Town’s land use professionals on action steps necessary to allow the use of the building for
future municipal use.
Old Greenwich Highway Shed Replacement ($250K FY27). Full replacement of the shed
located in a flood zone near the roundabout by the railroad tracks, which is in the worst
condition of the four highway sheds. The replacement will include a garage, small office, and
restroom with additional space for storm operations staff.
Senior Center HVAC Upgrade ($1. 7M FY27). Replace the air-cooled chiller and convert the
mechanical plant to heat pumps, providing year-round heating and cooling. Work is coordinated
with the Wallace Center's concurrent interior renovation funded by a private bequest. The
Wallace Center's $2.6M open capital is appropriated by the town and reimbursed by the
Wallace Center. Bidding expected summer 2026.
Town-Wide Roof Replacement ($235K FY27). Condition-based replacements at the Bowling
Green/Bruce Park facility and Senior Center flat roof. Does not include a holistic Town Hall slate
roof replacement.
Baldwin Park Development ($100K FY27 design; $10M FY28 placeholder). Redevelopment
of the Baldwin Park waterfront is contingent on relocating the Parks and Trees facility. The FY28
Holly Hill master plan update ($450K) will be advanced to FY27 to determine facility capacity for
consolidating the Byram Highway Shed, traffic operations, and small engine shop. A CIP sheet
will be prepared for the FY27 Holly Hill appropriation. The $10M FY28 construction placeholder
is based on a prior concept plan inflated to current dollars.
Lunch recess was held and the meeting was reconvened at 12:52 PM.
HIGHWAY CAPITAL

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The following open capital items were reviewed: Route 1 Sidewalk Connectivity (FY2023,
$3.1M) easements being finalized; bid summer 2026. Greenwich Avenue Repaving — final
crosswalk work spring 2026; close-out next fiscal year. Route 1 ADA Sidewalk (FY2025)
delayed in conjunction with Route 1 sidewalk project; spending to accelerate this spring. MultiUse Trail (FY2024) — full Stamford–Greenwich trail not proceeding; funds redeployed under the
same 80/20 federal grant to sidewalk feasibility studies on two segments: Tomac Avenue to the
Stamford line, and Binney Park to Eastern Greenwich Civic Center along Forest Avenue. Shore
Road Sidewalk South Phase — construction summer/fall 2026. Route 1 Signal Timing
(Glenville) out to bid; completion summer 2026. GHS Soil Remediation — approximately $1.1M
remaining; combined with the FY27 request brings anticipated total spend to $3M through
completion of the current phase. Greenwich Point Chimes Building ($325K, FY2023)
conditioned funds pending plans, financing confirmation, and full funding verification from
Greenwich Point Conservancy; discussions ongoing.
Byram River Bridge Replacement ($4M FY27, $4M FY28). Replaces two Route 1 bridges at
the Port Chester border to mitigate upstream Pemberwick neighborhood flooding. Funding: 50%
Army Corps of Engineers, 25% NYSDOT (bridge owner), 25% Town of Greenwich. Design
costs (~$7–8M) are fully federally funded. Army Corps recently revised construction estimates
from $32M to $40M, increasing the town's share from ~$8M to ~$10M. Funding agreements are
still being negotiated; the appropriation will be conditioned on a full understanding of the terms
of this federal, state and local governmental funding project .
Electric Leaf Blower Equipment ($225K FY27). Purchases electric blowers, batteries, and
charging infrastructure for compliance with the RTM's Memorial Day–September electric
ordinance. Covers approximately 50% of the DPW fleet; gas equipment retained for fall leaf
season.
School Zone Sign Maintenance ($150K FY27). Replaces electronic control components for
approximately half of the town's 50 school zone signs approaching end of their 7–10 year
lifespan. Signs are required to be operational for police speed enforcement cameras.
ADA Sidewalk Accessibility ($600K FY27). Covers multi year phased ADA ramp construction
and sidewalk panel upgrades/repairs town-wide, including a $150K update to the 2020
consultant inventory.
Asphalt Paving ($3.75M FY27). Resurfacing program based on a pavement condition index..
State Town Aid Road funding of ~$375K annually supplements this appropriation. Request is
modestly reduced from prior year pending an updated condition index.
Highway Maintenance ($1.5MM FY27). Covers sidewalk repairs, curb replacements, and
guide rail maintenance. Granite curbing is used for its 30-plus-year lifespan and lower lifecycle
cost.
SS4A Implementation ($500K FY27 design; construction placeholders FY28–29). The
town's $2.5M demonstration grant application was not awarded. Design funding advances
projects from the Safety Action Plan, nearing completion with a public meeting scheduled for
March 21st. A new grant application is planned for summer 2026.
Town-Wide Bike Infrastructure ($50K FY27). Pavement markings, signage, and bike rack
installations at high-cycling locations.

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Town-Wide Traffic Safety Implementation ($250K FY27). Constructs approximately 530 feet
of sidewalk along Indian Field Road from Bruce Park to Sound Shore Dr., connecting to existing
infrastructure continuing to Cos Cob Park.
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Improvements ($150K FY27). Ongoing installation of
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at pedestrian crossings town wide.
Grigg Street Bollard and Sidewalk Improvements ($4000K FY27). Permanent streetscape
improvements replacing temporary plastic bollards installed to address vehicles blocking the
sidewalk and travel lane. Work will be coordinated with a planned sewer line replacement on the
same street.
King Street Sidewalk ($600K FY27). Approximately 720 feet of new sidewalk extending
existing infrastructure, listed in the 2009 Sidewalk Master Plan. Adjacent property owner support
exceeds the 70% approval threshold. Higher per-foot cost reflects anticipated drainage and
grading work.
Fairfield Road Culvert Replacement ($2.0M FY27, 100% state reimbursed). Construction
phase advanced to utilize the window created by the North Street Bridge replacement this
summer and the state's delay of the Route 1/Hillside bridge project.
Routine Retaining Wall Maintenance ($250K FY27). Second half of a $500K program for
repair and minor design work across 90-plus town retaining walls.
Dearfield/Grove Drainage Improvements ($350K FY27 design; $9.25M construction FY28–
29). Upgrades the drainage network from behind Greenwich Hospital through Dearfield Road
and Grove Street to Horseshoe Neck Brook, addressing a failure during Tropical Storm Ida in
2021. Designed to a 25-year storm standard. The Flood and Erosion Control Board's top current
priority.
Stormwater Drainage Maintenance ($1.0M FY27). Repairs and replacements across 10,000plus drainage structures town-wide, many exceeding 100 years in age.
Resiliency Infrastructure Improvement ($250K FY28 design; construction placeholders
FY30–31). Advances the 2022 coastal resiliency assessment to actionable project identification
and cost estimation at the DPW level.
BOE Parking Lot Maintenance ($400K FY27). Annual program based on condition
assessments coordinated with the Board of Education.
GHS Soil Remediation ($2M FY27). Combined with ~$1.1M in existing open capital, the $3M
total is expected to substantially complete the current remediation phase. Ongoing monitoring
will be required in perpetuity.
Holly Hill Scale Maintenance ($50K FY27). Routine component replacement to maintain
Department of Consumer Protection weights and measures compliance for tipping fee
operations.
Adjournment:

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Upon a motion made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, the Committee voted unanimously
to adjourn at 3:02 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

__________________________________
Leo Berisha, Recording Secretary

__________________________________
Laura Erickson, Chair

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TOWN OF GREENWICH
BOARD OF ESTIMATE & TAXATION
BUDGET COMMITTEE
TOWN HALL MEETING ROOM
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 – 1:00 PM
Committee:

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

Staff:

Joan Lynch, Comptroller; Agnes Cawai, Budget Director; Leo Berisha, Executive Asst. to
Comptroller; Caroline Baisley, Director of Health; Debora Edwards, Operations Administrator
for Health

Police:

Jim Heavey, Chief of Police; Patrick Smyth, Captain

NW:

Kelly Nardone, Director of Financial Operations; John Mastronardi; Executive Director; Larry
Vanterpool, Director of Facilities; Glenn Singlinger, Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor; Zach
Cecere, Technology Projects & Operations Administrator

BET:

Leslie Tarkington, David Weisbrod

Chair Erickson called the meeting to order at 1:15 PM.
1. Requests for Budget Adjustments
Number
Department
Amount
PD-6
Police
F213/Various

$9,810

Purpose
Approval to Use
Purchase & Installment of Police
Information Network (PIN) platform

Upon a motion made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, PD-6 was brought before the
Committee for discussion.
Chief Heavey and Captain Smyth presented the request to use $9,810 in asset forfeiture funds for
the purchase and installment of the Police Information Network (PIN) platform. The funds will be
drawn from three asset forfeiture accounts — equitable sharing, state, and federal/911 grant funds
— with a combined balance of approximately $263,000 prior to this expenditure. Captain Smyth
described PIN as a platform designed specifically for law enforcement agencies that consolidates
crime data, departmental memos, safety alerts, training materials, policies and procedures, and local
ordinances into a single accessible system for officers. The platform also includes a public-facing
interactive crime statistical dashboard to be hosted on the GPD website, providing residents with
data transparency while also protecting system integrity and victim privacy. Neighboring
departments, including Darien and Fairfield PD currently use the platform. Discussion included

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cybersecurity considerations, which will be coordinated with the Town’s IT department, and the
ongoing annual subscription cost which will be absorbed into the operating budget going forward.
The vote was called to approve the use of $9,810 for the purchase and installment of the Police
Information Network (PIN) platform, and the Committee voted 4-0 to approve PD-6. Recommended
as routine.
______________________________________________________________________________________

HD-7
Health
F405/Various

$72,825.23

Transfer
Work Force Development Coordinator w/
benefits

Upon a motion made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, HD-7 was brought before the
Committee for discussion.
Caroline Baisley, Director of Health, and Debora Edwards, Operations Administrator, presented a
request to realign funds within an existing state workforce development grant expiring November 30,
2027. The grant is exclusively for staff training and was not affected by recent federal funding
pullbacks. As the department implemented the grant, it determined that many targeted training
programs were available at no or reduced cost through regional emergency preparedness networks.
Funds were accordingly shifted away from contractual training, conferences, and travel categories
and reallocated toward temporary services, specifically the workforce development coordinator
position, which manages training arrangements for staff. The department noted it has only one
opportunity to revise the grant with the state, and the reallocation reflects the department’s best
estimate through the end of the grant period. The proposed reallocation of funds has received state
approval. The Committee confirmed that the reallocation does not affect the department’s FY2027
operating budget proposal, and that training activities are continuing, simply delivered more costeffectively.
The vote was called to approve the transfer of $72,825.23 for the Workforce Development
Coordinator with benefits, and the Committee voted 4-0 to approve HD-7. Recommended as
routine.
______________________________________________________________________________________

NW-3
Nathaniel Witherell $700,000
H450 59560 25399

Additional Appropriation
Galvanized Pipe Replacement

Upon a motion made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Kelly, NW-3 was brought before the Committee
for discussion.
John Mastronardi, Executive Director, presented a request for an additional appropriation of
$700,000 for the galvanized pipe replacement program at Nathaniel Witherell. The building,
originally constructed in 1973–1976, contains 12 vertical plumbing stacks that have exceeded their
expected service life. The pipe project is coordinated with a sewer drain project and the total
appropriated for both projects is $702,000. The sewer drains are corroded and are difficult to

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access. Unexpected scope items include: masonry wall removal to access drain lines below the first
floor ($143,000); severely rotted toilet studs requiring metal frame reinforcement; and seized water
valves on multiple stacks that broke upon attempted operation. Additionally, bathroom demolition
and furnishing costs totaled $1,850 per bathroom for an additional $177,600. Mr. Mastronardi
acknowledged that the original per-stack cost estimate of approximately $50,000 was significantly
off, with actual costs averaging $92,000–$93,000 per stack based on five completed stacks. The
previous consulting engineer, BTR Consulting Engineers, is no longer involved in the project. New
facilities leadership has improved project efficiency, reducing time per stack from 8–10 weeks to
approximately five weeks. Galvanized pipes are being replaced with PVC, which carries a 50–100
year life expectancy, and all work is being updated to current plumbing codes. Resident disruption
has been managed through advance notification, temporary relocation, and adherence to CMS and
DPH infection control protocols. A 5% contingency is included in the current request. Mr. Fisher
noted that a separate $700,000 project appearing in the FY2027 budget application will be
discussed at the next budget hearing meeting and asked the Witherell team to consider whether that
project could be deferred.
The vote was called to approve the additional appropriation for the galvanized pipe replacement in
the amount of $700,000 and the Committee voted 4-0 to approve NW-3. Recommended as nonroutine.
______________________________________________________________________________________

2. New Business
• YTD Actual to Budget Update
Ms. Cawai presented the year-to-date actuals to budget report through December 2025,
formerly referred to as the Economic Conditions Report. On the revenue side, building
permits have already reached the full-year budget of $5 million, coming in at $5,233,000,
approximately $2.1 million higher than the same period in FY2025, including a single large
project at 19 Benedict Place. Conveyance tax is also up $1.2 million compared to the prior
year. On the expense side, healthcare remains the largest line item; the reported $39 million
in actuals reflects 7 months of payments rather than 6, as the Town pays both January and
December in the same period. The healthcare variance represents approximately 11%
growth, consistent with the budgeted rate. Overall, the Town is tracking nearly identically to
FY2025, with revenues at 61.2% of budget versus 61.1% last year, and expenditures at
46.4% in both years. Ms. Cawai noted it is too early to project year-end fund balance, but
directional trends are positive. Mr. Fisher requested that future reports include additional
detail on waste disposal cost and revenue variances; Ms. Cawai confirmed this could be
incorporated. The Committee also reviewed the other funds page, noting that Nathaniel
Witherell’s expenditure variance against a backdrop of declining census — currently in the
150s — suggests a challenging year-end; a full projection will be presented by Witherell at
the next meeting.
3. Old Business
• FEMA Grants Update (Written Report Only)
Ms. Coccaro, Assistant Director of Environmental Affairs, provided a written report confirming
that two FEMA grants related to home elevation projects are no longer continuing. Conditions

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previously placed on these items, including quarterly reporting requirements, no longer apply.
No further action is required.
4. Approval of BET Budget Committee Meeting Minutes
Upon a motion made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Kelly, the Committee voted unanimously, 4-0,
to approve the following meeting minutes:
• January 13, 2026
• January 27, 2026 Public Hearing
• February 3, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 1
• February 5, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 2
5. Chair Report
Chair Erickson previewed several items expected to come before the Committee in upcoming
months. First, an interim request for overtime and salt expenditures related to increased snowfall this
winter — occurring largely on weekends and holidays — is anticipated, though the timing is
uncertain. Second, the Finance Department is preparing a process to deauthorize bond issuances
that were authorized but never issued, going back to approximately 2008–2018; Ms. Lynch is
working on reconciliations, and the item is expected to come before the Committee next month.
Third, the Policies and Procedures Committee met in January and identified several areas of the
BET reference manual relating to the budget process that require updating; those sections will be
referred back to the Budget Committee for review in March or April. Mr. Fisher added that a review of
the Town Charter’s sewer provisions highlighted outdated and overly prescriptive language,
including a cap on bond interest rates of 6% and fees set at $100, and noted that the Law
Department maintains a running list of charter provisions that may need revision.
6. Adjournment
Upon a motion made by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Kelly, the Committee voted 4-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 2:05 PM.

Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. in Town Hall Meeting Room.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Leo Berisha, Recording Secretary

___________________________________
Laura Erickson, Chair

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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

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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%.

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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

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TOWN OF GREENWICH
BOARD OF ESTIMATE AND TAXATION
BUDGET COMMITTEE
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 – 11:00 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; Demetria Nelson, Commissioner of Human
Services; Patrick LaRow, Director of Planning & Zoning; Beth Evans,
Director of Environmental Affairs; Sarah Coccaro, Asst. Director of
Environmental Affairs;

NW:

John Mastronardi, Executive Director; Kelly Nardone, Director of Financial
Operations; Peter Kelly, Chair of the Board; Brad Radulovacki, Chair of
Finance Committee; Kate Tabner, Vice Chair of the Board

BET:

Leslie Tarkington, Sally Bednar, David Weisbrod, Elliot Alchek, Matt
DesChamps

Other:

Don Conway, GCTV; Patty Roberts, Chair of the Board of Human
Services; Margarita Alban, Chair of the Planning & Zoning Commission

FISCAL YEAR 2026 – 2027 DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET REVIEWS DAY 5:
The Budget Committee held departmental budget hearings to review and discuss the
proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operating and capital budgets for: Human Services,
Land Use & Nathaniel Witherell.
The meeting was called to order at 11:01 AM. (delay due to snowstorm)
Human Services:
The proposed budget reflects an overall increase of 2.53%, primarily attributable to
contractual salary increases. Additional increases include enrichment activity
consultants for the BANC After School Program, a Fair Rent Commission marketing
video, a DocuSign contract, vehicle rental costs for GYCP and campership, and
updated snack provisions. A salary reclassification between units was noted, reflecting
no net change in headcount.

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Community partnership funding remains flat at $891,400. A new program — SPARKS
and SPACE through Jewish Family Services — was added, previously supported by
ARPA funds, with no overall increase to the community partnership total. Client financial
aid line items were reallocated to better reflect actual spending patterns, particularly
increased demand for emergency rent assistance driven by rising rents rather than an
increase in the number of requests.
Discussion was held regarding opioid settlement funds received to date. It was noted
that current distribution practices should be reviewed by the Law Committee for
alignment with the applicable budget resolution.
The Fair Rent Commission received nine complaints in FY2026 to date, with three
hearings held and one matter still pending from FY2025. The coordinator position is
being trained toward eventually taking on the mediator role.
Land Use: Planning & Zoning Commission, Conservation Commission, Inland
Wetlands & Watercourses Agency, and Environmental Affairs
Operating Budget
Planning & Zoning permit fee revenues have increased materially following a fee
increase effective January 2025, and application volume is running ahead of the prior
year. The Committee requested that staff work with the Comptroller to potentially revise
the FY2027 revenue estimate to better reflect current run rates. The primary new
operating expenditure is approximately one-third of the estimated $250,000 total Plan of
Conservation and Development 10 year update (POCD) consultant cost in FY2027, with
the remaining two-thirds anticipated in FY2028. The Conservation Commission and
Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency budgets reflect minimal change beyond the
conversion of one part-time position to full-time serving both departments. Inland
Wetlands application fees were increased in the prior year and volume is trending
upward. The Committee requested benchmarking information on sustainability and
energy coordinator positions in comparable municipalities.
Capital Budget
A capital request of $75,000 was presented to establish an open space evaluation
reserve fund to support appraisals and land use analyses when acquisition
opportunities arise, at an estimated cost of approximately $60,000 per evaluation.
Discussion was held regarding the proposed demolition of the Horseneck building. The
building's temporary site permit limits its suitability for permanent use without some
improvements, and any expanded use by other departments would require a new site
plan and municipal improvement process. Patrick LaRow further elaborated that the site
was not suitable for residential but use for a municipal facility appeared reasonable
given the apparent demand for the space and its usage since being in operation for the
Central Fire House when the public safety complex was being constructed.

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A lunch recess was held and the Committee reconvened at 1:45 PM.
Nathaniel Witherell
Financial Overview
The facility is projecting an operating loss of approximately $3.8 million for FY2026,
driven by a decline in average daily census from the low 170s to low to mid 150s over
the past 18 months. Expenses through the first six months reflect a positive variance of
$388,000 against budget. The primary challenge is on the revenue side. The FY2027
budget is based on a target average daily census of 175.
The facility operates 202 licensed beds, with 156 designated for Medicaid long-term
care and 46 for short-term Medicare rehabilitation. Medicaid reimbursement falls
approximately $100–$150 per day short of the cost of care. Medicare per diem rates
improved from approximately $675 to over $800 per day following MDS coding
corrections, and $72,000 in additional revenue was identified through correction of
billing errors. Accounts receivable collection rates are running at 98–99%. An ongoing
drain pipe replacement project has taken 12 to 16 beds out of service since April 2025,
expected to continue through October or November 2027.
Operating Plan
The Strategic Planning committee has been meeting to establish a plan to increase the
census from 157 to approximately 165 by July 2026 through expanded memory care
admissions, 7-day admissions coverage, direct executive outreach to hospital referral
partners, diversification of referral sources, and strengthened treat-in-place capabilities
to reduce avoidable Hospital readmissions. In the first half of FY2026, 25 memory care
referrals were declined due to capacity constraints; accepting one-third of those patients
is projected to generate approximately $1.1 million in incremental annual revenue at
current staffing levels.
Committee Discussion
The Committee expressed concern about the sustainability of the FY2027 budget given
current census trends, noting that the facility has averaged approximately $2.1 million in
annual pre-debt and pre-capital operating losses over the past 12 years, with total
losses after debt and capital averaging approximately $5 million annually. The
Committee requested that management develop a contingency framework should
census decline further. The Committee also noted that any reduction in licensed bed
capacity would require state and federal regulatory approval. The possibility of exploring
affiliation or alternative management models was discussed, with the Nathaniel
Witherell board required to initiate any such process. The period through June 30, 2026
was identified as a key checkpoint for evaluating plan progress, with the possibility of

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revisiting the FY2027 budget if results warrant. The Comptroller was asked to distribute
an updated historical loss analysis to Committee and BET members.
Operating Budget
Overtime and temporary salary increases reflect weather-related staffing demands and
a part-time hiring strategy to offset agency costs. The FY2027 salary budget reflects an
approximately 3% contractual increase. Telephone expenses increased due to added
communications infrastructure; staff was asked to clarify whether this is an operating or
capital item. Dietary costs are approximately $50,000 below FY2025 despite an
elevated budget appearance. Electric service was budgeted on a summer run rate and
staff was asked to revise using a full-year seasonal average. Maintenance costs reflect
increased demands associated with the pipe replacement project and aging facility
conditions.
Capital Budget
Capital requests include ceiling replacement in 81 resident rooms, kitchen air handling
unit replacement, kitchen ceiling renovation, and storage area improvements. The
Committee requested that the ceiling replacement be evaluated in conjunction with the
planned call bell system replacement, with management to consider phasing both
projects by floor. Management committed to responding prior to the full BET decision
day. The Comptroller was asked to review the methodology for funding prior year losses
through the fund balance and present a historical reconciliation.
Adjournment:
Upon a motion made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Kelly, the Committee voted
unanimously to adjourn at 3:32 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

_______________________________
Leo Berisha, Recording Secretary

_______________________________
Laura Erickson, Chair

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TOWN OF GREENWICH
BOARD OF ESTIMATE AND TAXATION
BUDGET COMMITTEE
Thursday, February 26, 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; Dan Carlsen; P&R Assistant Director; Joe Siciliano, P&R
Director; Jay Domeseck, Fleet Director; Mike Mason, Director of Labor Relations;
Matt Santa, Business Systems Admin; Tom Klein, Chief Information Officer;
Caroline Baisley, Director of Health; Debora Edwards, Operations Admin; Michael
Long, Director of Environmental Health; Mary Keller, Workforce Development
Grant Coordinator; Deborah Travers; Director of Family Health; Matt Engenito
Business Office Manager; Robert Clark Smith, Director of Special Clinical
Services; Mary Racho; Laboratory Director

BET:

Leslie Tarkington, Sally Bednar, David Weisbrod, Elliot Alchek, Matt DesChamps

Other:

Don Conway, GCTV

FISCAL YEAR 2026 – 2027 DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET REVIEWS DAY 6:
The Budget Committee held departmental budget hearings to review and discuss the proposed
Fiscal Year 2026–2027 operating and capital budgets for: Parks and Recreation, Fleet,
Information Technology, and Health. Labor Contract matters were addressed in Executive
Session.
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM.
Parks & Recreation (rescheduled from Tuesday 2/24/26 due to inclement weather)
Operating Budget:
The proposed budget reflects a 2.8% increase, slightly above the 2.75% guideline. Key drivers
include minimum wage projected at $16.94 per hour and new sick leave provisions applicable to
approximately 300 seasonal employees. Full-time headcount remains at 101, with golf course
staff holding 8 full-time employees. Proposed FTEs increase modestly from 59.66 to 59.85.
A revenue increase of $495,000 is projected based on an updated fee schedule approved by
the Board of Selectmen on December 23rd; updated figures will be submitted to Finance. Staff
noted an intent to submit fee schedule requests earlier in future budget cycles. Digital payment

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processing and early bird registration incentives were highlighted as ongoing efforts to improve
operational efficiency and spread administrative workload more evenly across the year.
Discussion arose regarding declining participation trends in youth and adult recreational
leagues. Staff attributed the shift primarily to the growth of travel leagues since the mid-2000s,
noting that while town-run program enrollment has decreased, fields remain at capacity through
third-party user groups. Staff emphasized the department's no-cut philosophy as a commitment
to broad public access and youth engagement.
Regarding the Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, now approaching its first full year of
operation, staff noted growing demand for programming and event space. A tiered approach
has been implemented — prioritizing Parks and Recreation programs, followed by community
organizations, with for-profit groups lowest in priority. Revenue is growing though still in a
development phase, with an 8.7% increase projected. Staff noted pricing negotiations with
community groups remain ongoing.
Ferry operations were discussed at length. The three vessels in service were built in 1937,
1948, and 1963 respectively. Based on a Coast Guard inspection, the capital focus has shifted
from engine repowering to steel and structural work on the large ferry, which is required for
continued certification. Staff noted a new ferry would cost approximately $5 million and carry
fewer passengers than the current vessels. Ridership trends were discussed, including the
impact of prior non-resident access policy changes. Staff highlighted a recently produced drone
video of the Island Beach route as a new outreach initiative to encourage ridership. A staffing
and financial model for year-round rink operations is being finalized and was committed for
delivery the following day, with a revolving fund structure — similar to the golf course model —
under consideration.
Capital Budget
Standard capital items were reviewed across parks, marine, and golf course divisions including
sand replenishment, dock and pier replacement, seawall repairs, cart path renovations, turf
equipment, tee box renovations, bunker rehabilitation, and master plan work. Ms. Tarkington
raised whether tee box and bunker items should be reclassified as operating; staff confirmed
asset lifespans of approximately 10–20 years support their capital classification.
A substitute CIP sheet was presented proposing an equal-value swap: deferral of the Byram
dock concrete overhang repair in favor of pulling forward $50,000 in design funding for the
CEGCC hybrid pickleball/tennis court replacement. The dock is not an immediate safety
concern per engineering assessment; the courts are 50–60 years old and require full slab
replacement. Staff noted that design and bid management costs are consistent with prior court
projects. All golf course capital projects are funded through the Golf Course Revolving Fund
with no tax levy impact.
Staff presented a proposal to raise driving range netting along King Street from 50 to 70 feet as
a risk management measure. Approximately two to three vehicle damage claims have been filed
over the past five years. Discussion included limited-flight range balls as a supplemental
measure, though staff noted potential revenue impact. The Golf Course out-year capital plan
includes $200,000 in FY28 for clubhouse/restaurant planning and a projected $5 million capital
project in FY30, to be financed through revolving fund reserves and a potential loan against
future revenues. Additional capital items discussed included: rink equipment assessment at the
existing Dorothy Hamill rink to ensure operability through the estimated three-year period before

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a new facility is constructed; walk-in refrigerator replacement at the Bendheim Western
Greenwich Civic Center; electric leaf blower equipment to achieve full compliance with the town
noise ordinance ($255,000, no further request anticipated); park and court lighting upgrades at
Binney Park to address flood-related infrastructure deterioration; ADA master plan
implementation at Cos Cob Park and Montgomery Pinetum Park; Cos Cob field turf evaluation
ahead of anticipated future replacement; playground replacement at Bible Street; Greenwich
Point electrical infrastructure upgrades; and various standard equipment replacements.
Parks and Trees Facility Relocation
The Committee discussed potential relocation of the Parks and Trees operation from its current
Arch Street/Bruce Park location. Holly Hill was identified as a possible site but raises operational
efficiency concerns given the crew's responsibility for downtown public buildings, monuments,
and Bruce Park — the largest maintenance territory in the department. A split approach was
discussed — relocating the machine shop to the North Street shed while keeping the parks crew
centrally located. A prior proposal involving the mosquito barn at Bruce Park was referenced but
did not advance due to community opposition.

Fleet
Operating Budget
A 5% overall budget increase was proposed. The motor fuel and lubricants line reflects a 30%
increase attributable to the addition of school bus fueling at the Fleet facility; corresponding
reimbursement from the Board of Education is reflected in the revenue account, making the
change budget neutral. Parts costs have risen significantly due to post-COVID pricing and the
increased complexity of electronic components, particularly on fire apparatus. Staff noted that
approximately $45,000 in parts were expended over a recent three-week period driven by
storm-related damage and fire apparatus breakdowns, compared to a normal weekly rate of
approximately $10,000.
A long-standing heavy duty mechanic vacancy was recently filled after approximately three
years. Staff noted that the current single shift model has proven more productive than the prior
two shift operation. Fire apparatus downtime is currently at 7%, compared to 0.5–1.5% for other
vehicle types; staff anticipate improvement with the new hire and incoming replacement
apparatus. Some repairs continue to be outsourced based on capacity, turnaround time, and
specialized tooling requirements.
Capital Budget
The vehicle replacement schedule was reviewed across all departments. Staff noted the fleet is
significantly behind schedule due to prior-year funding constraints and fire apparatus
prioritization. Established replacement benchmarks are: fire apparatus 10 years frontline/15–20
years reserve; large dump trucks 15 years; low-boy dump trucks 12 years; pickup trucks and
cars 10 years. Several reserve fire units are currently approaching 30 years of age. The
department requested two new air compressors for the shop, as the existing units — original to
the building — can no longer supply adequate torque for heavy equipment tire mounting.
Regarding fuel composition, the fleet is transitioning away from diesel toward gasoline and
propane where feasible, with electric vehicles expanding across Parking Services and DPW.
Staff noted that increased gasoline consumption will require additional storage capacity, with

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Holly Hill identified as a potential site for above-ground tanks to be coordinated with DPW. The
Fleet director welcomed the proposed canopy above the filling tanks at the Indian Field Rd.
facility that is included in the DPW budget to offer protection from the elements.
Fire Tankers
Discussion arose regarding tanker acquisition reflected across multiple budget lines. It was
clarified that the Town is purchasing one new tanker ($1.1 million) to be housed at Round Hill for
backcountry water supply. A separate 50% contribution toward a Banksville tanker was noted as
a FY26. Mr. Domeseck was not consulted in advance and requested that Fleet be notified in
advance when town-owned equipment assigned to volunteer companies will require Fleet
maintenance.
Executive Session: Labor Contracts
Upon a motion made by Mr. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Fenton, the Committee voted unanimously,
4-0-0, to enter executive session at 11:33 AM to discuss strategy for two upcoming Labor
Contracts, Greenwich Firefighters Local 1042 and GMEA.
In attendance were: Laura Erickson, Harry Fisher, Doug Fenton, Joe Kelly, Leslie
Tarkington, Sally Bednar, David Weisbrod, Elliot Alchek, Matt DesChamps, Mike Mason,
Joan Lynch, Agnes Cawai, Peter Mynarski & Bill Galvin.
Upon a motion made by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Kelly, the Committee voted unanimously,
4-0-0, to exit executive session at 12:22 PM.
A lunch break was held and the meeting reconvened at 1:03 PM.
Information Technology
Operating Budget
A change page will be issued to reflect part-time positions not currently shown on the staffing
chart; no dollar impact. The software rental/maintenance line (52360) reflects a 6% increase
driven primarily by vendor subscription escalations. Staff noted that IT reviews its software stack
line by line annually and monitors user activity to eliminate unused licenses. A broader townwide
audit to review the estimated $6–6.5 million expenses for software across all entities — was
discussed; staff suggested this would require coordination across departments and entities
including the schools and library and could be structured as a finance audit.
Cyber security expenditures (accounts 51460 and 51461) have increased significantly since
FY22, now totaling approximately $855,000 in the proposed FY27 budget. Staff attributed the
growth to three expanding workstreams: ongoing remediation, infrastructure upgrades now
requiring cyber security involvement at each stage, and increased incident response activity.
The town maintains a 24/7/365 security operations center through an outside vendor. Any
significant security incidents were noted as having been addressed in a prior Audit Committee
executive session. The Audit Committee holds regular quarterly updates in Executive Session
on cybersecurity matters.
The phone system transition from an on-premises to a cloud-based platform accounts for a
$74,000 increase in the maintenance line (54050). Final cost estimates will be clearer once the
new system is operational. GIS revenue fees — unchanged for approximately 18 years — were
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discussed; staff expressed interest in updating them but noted the abutter's list may ultimately
be absorbed into the online permitting process.
Capital Budget
The IT infrastructure capital request was reduced to $50,000 for FY27, focused on additional
storage capacity for the existing data array. Data retention under state records schedules was
identified as the primary driver of growing storage needs. Remaining open capital from FY26 is
sufficient to cover routine infrastructure needs such as network switches and Wi-Fi access
points.
Phase Two of the phone system replacement project ($305,000) is budgeted for FY27. Phase
one is currently underway, with Nathaniel Witherell as the initial implementation site, followed by
Town Hall, Police, and the Safety Complex in the new fiscal year.
Innovation Highlights
Staff identified three near-term priorities: online permitting expansion coordinated through the
First Selectman's office; the new cloud-based phone system with mobile follow-me functionality;
and an underground fiber connection between Town Hall and the Safety Complex to improve
network resilience. Staff also highlighted a beach card validation tool developed with Parks and
Recreation that integrates voter, assessor, and parks data to streamline residency verification.
Health
Operating Budget
The proposed budget of $2,819,148 reflects an increase of $81,987 (3%) over FY26. Full-time
salaries constitute 84% of the total budget. Increases across all divisions reflect 2.5%
contractual salary adjustments. The laboratory reflects a net decrease due to a staff
replacement at a lower salary rate. The family health supply budget was restored to prior levels
following the decision not to purchase RSV vaccine in the current year.
A part-time Public Health Educator position (.74 FTE, approximately $43,000) is proposed. The
position was previously funded full-time under ARPA; the incumbent departed in fall 2025, with
remaining funds available through December 2026. Staff noted the absence of this role was felt
acutely during the COVID-19 pandemic and following a recent West Nile virus fatality in the
community. A process question was raised regarding HR Committee review of the position; staff
will reconcile the budget line classification accordingly.
Discussion arose regarding the decline in service volumes across several divisions over the
past decade. Staff attributed the reduction in immunizations primarily to the expansion of
pharmacy-based vaccination services since approximately 2005, while emphasizing that
department nurses provide a broad range of other community health services and serve as
essential surge capacity during public health emergencies.
Revenue and Grants
Department revenue is driven largely by Environmental Health licensing fees. Staff noted a
$12,000 reduction in federal per capita funding and uncertainty around future federal public
health funding, though the Governor has indicated intent to provide some state-level support.
Several grants are expiring in the near term including the ELC COVID grant and the Workforce
Development grant. Staff highlighted an extensive record of grant procurement to offset town

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costs, including supplies, equipment, and staff training funded through state and federal
sources.
Committee Discussion for Follow-Up Items
Law Committee:
Ms. Tarkington reported that the Law Committee supports the Law Department budget as
presented.
Investment Advisory Committee:
Mr. Alchek reported that the IAC Committee, upon updated scenario analysis from the
Treasurer, voted 4-0 to revise the interest income projection to $6 million.
Human Resources Committee:
The HR Committee voted on the following:
• Police Property & Evidence Clerk - Approved 3-0-1
• Police FOIA & Record Specialist - Approved 3-0-1
• Police Animal Control Officer - Failed 0-3-1
• Cybersecurity Temp & IT Temp - Approved 4-0-0
• HR Specialist - Approved 4-0-0
• M&C Compensation Increase of 2.75% (budgeted at 2.5%) - Approved 4-0-0
• Registrar of Voters Salary Increase - Approved 4-0-0
Adjournment:
Upon a motion made by Mr. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Fenton, the Committee voted unanimously
to adjourn at 2:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

_______________________________
Leo Berisha, Recording Secretary

_______________________________
Laura Erickson, Chair

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TOWN OF GREENWICH
BOARD OF ESTIMATE AND TAXATION
BUDGET COMMITTEE
Tuesday, March 3, 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

BET:

Sally Bednar, Leslie Tarkington, David Weisbrod, Elliot Alchek, Matt DesChamps, Joshua
Brown, Joe Pellegrino

Other:

Don Conway, GCTV

FISCAL YEAR 2026 – 2027 BET BUDGET COMMITTEE DECISION DAY
Chair Erickson called the meeting to order at 9:04 AM. She noted the completion of six full days of
budget hearings beginning February 3, 2026, and extended thanks to all department heads, BET
members, and staff for their participation throughout the process. She acknowledged a weather
advisory was in effect and that schools had been canceled, and indicated the committee intended to
conclude business that day. Ms. Erickson outlined the order of proceedings: Operating Budget, Capital
Budget, Revenues, and Budget Schedules including the Mill Rate calculation.
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to open proceedings on both the First
Selectman's Operating Budget and the First Selectman's Capital Budget, subject to amendments
throughout the day, the motion established the framework for the day's deliberations.
OPERATING BUDGET
General Government
Law Department
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to reduce the Law Department budget by
$12,000, the motion carried 4-0.
The reduction reflects the department's elimination of print subscriptions in favor of electronic
resources.
Planning & Zoning — Board of Appeals, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Upon a motion by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to increase the Planning and Zoning Board of
Appeals Zoning Enforcement Officer line by $5,741 to reflect a reclassification in grade, the motion
carried 4-0.

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Agnes Cawai, Budget Director, noted the adjustment was necessary because the reclassification
occurred after salary projections had already been finalized.
Public Safety
Fire Department — Water Service
Upon a motion by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Kelly, to reduce Water Service by $100,000 to $1.37
million, the motion carried 4-0.
Mr. Fenton noted this is a fixed cost determined by the number of fire hydrants and linear footage of
water mains, and that actual expenditures over the prior six years ranged from $1.2 to $1.25 million.
The reduction was deemed a more accurate reflection of expected costs while preserving flexibility for
potential price increases, and the Assistant Fire Chief had approved the adjustment.
Police Department — General Services
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to increase General Services by $124,640, the
motion carried 4-0.
The addition funds approximately 1.3 positions: an additional FOIA clerk to address increased public
records inquiry volume, and the conversion of the Property and Evidence Clerk from part-time to fulltime status.
Public Works
Waste Disposal Division
Upon a motion by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to increase the Waste Disposal Division
budget by $11,341 to reflect a reclassification in grade, the motion carried 4-0.
Members noted the committee is closely monitoring costs and revenues in the waste division, and that
volume declines in municipal solid waste at Holly Hill have been observed. Members further noted that
the tipping fee and residential permit fee are likely areas for further review, particularly given that the
current contract is up and will be reviewed over the summer.
Health
Health Administration — Temporary Salaries
Upon a motion by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to reduce Temporary Salaries by $48,328 to
$15,608, the motion carried 3-1 (Erickson opposed).
The motion addressed a year-over-year increase intended to fund a part-time health educator position
that had not been reviewed by the HR Committee and did not appear in the Table of Organization
submitted by the First Selectman's Office. Ms. Erickson voted in opposition, expressing support for the
position given current disruptions in the healthcare landscape and a desire to allow the RTM to weigh in
before the funding was removed.
Ms. Erickson noted that the budget includes conditions for external entities GEMS and TAG, which are
typically acted upon by the full BET at Decision Day in late March, and flagged that similar conditions
will apply this cycle.

Fixed Charges
Employee Health Premium Contribution

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Upon a motion made by Mr. Fenton to increase the Employee Health Premium Contribution by
$1,005,000 to $14,784,000, seconded by Ms. Erickson, following discussion in which members raised
concerns about the absence of HR Committee review and a preference for additional time to assess
the figures alongside the pending state determination on gross healthcare costs, Mr. Fenton withdrew
the motion in deference to his colleagues, with the understanding that the matter will be revisited at
BET Decision Day.
Repayment of Debt Principal and Interest
Upon a motion by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to reduce Repayment of Debt Principal and
Interest by $1,077,000 reflecting amortization of the 2026 bond premium, the motion carried 4-0.

Nathaniel Witherell — Electric Service
Upon a motion by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to reduce the Nathaniel Witherell electric
service line by $85,199 to hold it flat at the FY26 level, the motion carried 4-0.
Members noted Nathaniel Witherell had been annualizing costs based on summer electric bills, which
overstated projected expenses. Members also noted the facility's census remains critically low at
approximately 150 out of 202 beds, representing a revenue challenge rather than an operating
inefficiency, and indicated the census recovery plan will be closely monitored through July.

CAPITAL BUDGET
Fire Department
Volunteer Tanker — Round Hill Fire Company
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Ms. Erickson, to approve a new CIP sheet to clarify that the
appropriation of $1.1 million for the acquisition of a water supply tanker to be owned by the Town and
housed at the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company, the motion carried 4-0. Mr. Fisher noted that upon
final approval of this item, $375K of the FY26 appropriation for volunteer tankers would be closed out,
leaving $375K intact for a 50% contribution to Banksville VFD.
Members noted the aged Round Hill tanker had failed inspection and is currently being refurbished at
the expense of the volunteer company.
Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Company — Support Vehicle and Equipment
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Ms. Erickson, to appropriate $300,000 for the Sound Beach
Volunteer Fire Company — $150,000 for a new support vehicle to expand technical rescue capabilities
and $150,000 for fleet optimization and rescue equipment — the motion carried 4-0. This is a new item
with a new CIP sheet that was not included in the First Selectman’s budget.
Police Department
Facility Security Door Replacement
Upon a motion by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to reduce the Facility Security Door
Replacement line by $180 to round down to $117,000, the motion carried 4-0.
Police Boat 124 — Replacement Vessel

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Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to add $296,657 for the purchase of a
replacement police boat (Boat 124), the motion carried 4-0.
Members noted that Boat 139, the department's larger vessel, is scheduled for refurbishment, which
would leave the department with only one operational boat. The prior Boat 124 was found to have
sustained irreparable aluminum hull damage from electrolysis during haul-out and was sold for scrap.
This is a new item with a new CIP sheet that was not included in the First Selectman’s budget.
Public Works
Byram River Bridge
Ms. Erickson noted that the Byram River Army Corps of Engineers bridge replacement project — a
multi-agency effort involving the ACOE, New York State DOT, and the Town — will carry a condition at
BET Decision Day pending final agreement terms. Construction costs have risen and the Town's share
may approach $10 million over two budget years; no change to the current appropriation of $4 million is
recommended at this time.
School Zone Speed Sign Maintenance
Mr. Fisher noted for the public record that the $150,000 budgeted for school zone sign maintenance in
FY27 may be a candidate for funding through speed enforcement camera fine revenue, which is
restricted to school and pedestrian safety purposes. The Finance Department is reviewing the matter.
Multi-Use Trail (Fiscal Year 2028 Capital Plan)
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to remove $3.5 million from the FY28 capital
plan for the Greenwich–Stamford multi-use trail project, which will not be proceeding, the motion carried
4-0.
Grigg Street Bollards — Sidewalk Protection
Upon a motion by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to remove $400,000 for the Grigg Street bollard
sidewalk project, the motion carried 4-0.
DPW indicated that a temporary measure currently in place has been functioning reasonably well.
Resiliency Infrastructure Improvement Project
Upon a motion by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to defer the $250,000 Resiliency Infrastructure
Improvement Project by one year, the motion carried 4-0.
Ms. Erickson noted that active work is already underway on several projects identified in the prior
resilience study, including the Grass Island headworks, the West End Highway Shed, and various
bridge and pump house projects, and that the committee prefers to allow those efforts to advance
before commissioning additional planning.
Dorothy Hamill Rink
Ms. Erickson indicated that no motion would be taken on the Dorothy Hamill Rink replacement project
today but signaled that the full BET will be asked to impose conditions at the March 31 Decision Day.
Mr. Fisher further elaborated that those anticipated conditions include: a full review of the operating
plan recently submitted by Parks and Recreation; achievement of Municipal Improvement (MI) approval
including the waiting period prior to release of full funding; and the establishment of a private
fundraising objective. Members noted a discrepancy between the task force estimate of approximately

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$36 million and the $42.1 million in the budget and acknowledged that a response from Public Works
explaining soft costs and potential scope additions had been received.
Horseneck Building Demolition
Upon a motion by Mr. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to remove $420,000 for the Horseneck Building
demolition from the FY27 capital budget, the motion carried 4-0.
Members noted significant interest in repurposing the building as municipal swing space and expressed
a preference for a more strategic, multi-year facility planning approach rather than proceeding with
demolition at this time. P&Z had indicated a willingness to consider alternative municipal uses subject
to the appropriate MI process.
Roger Sherman Baldwin Park
Upon a motion by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to delete $1 million for Roger Sherman
Baldwin Park, a motion to amend was offered by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Ms. Erickson, to reduce the
deletion to $750,000, leaving $250,000 in the budget. The amendment carried 4-0. The motion as
amended then carried 4-0.
Ms. Erickson explained that progress on the park is contingent upon resolving the relocation of the
Parks and Trees Division and equipment repair shop currently occupying the site, and that the Holly Hill
Master Plan must be addressed first to enable that relocation. Mr. Fisher and Mr. Kelly expressed
support for preserving some funding to keep design momentum, given the long-standing delays on this
project.
Holly Hill Master Plan
Upon a motion by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to add $650,000 to the FY27 capital budget and
reducing $450,000 in FY28 for the Holly Hill Master Plan, the motion carried 4-0.
Members noted that the Master Plan is intended to resolve the relocation of the Parks and Trees
Division and equipment repair shop — a prerequisite for progress on Roger Sherman Baldwin Park —
and to provide a strategic review of facility distribution for Public Works and Parks and Recreation.
Members also acknowledged an increase in the five-year capital plan total under the substitute CIP
sheet and indicated that further adjustments to the out-year figures will be addressed at BET Decision
Day, in coordination with the Debt and Fund Balance Policy Committee.
External Entities — Security Cameras
Upon a motion by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to delete $100,000 for enhanced security
cameras at the Bruce Museum, the motion carried 4-0.
The Town Attorney reviewed the relevant agreement and confirmed that this item is not an obligation of
the Town.
Schools
School Kitchen Equipment
Upon a motion by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to increase for purposes of rounding the
school kitchen equipment line by $300 to $638,000, the motion carried 4-0.

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Greenwich High School — Pool Replacement
Upon a motion by Ms. Erickson, seconded Mr. Fisher, to remove $1.5 million for GHS Secondary
Egress and $8 million for Tennis Courts from the FY30 long-term capital plan, the motion carried 4-0.
Both items are to be consolidated into the GHS Aquatics and Tennis Project and addressed as a single
campus-wide capital effort.
GHS Aquatics and Tennis Project
Ms. Erickson indicated that no motion would be taken on the $4 million GHS Aquatics and Tennis
Project today but noted that a condition will be prepared for BET Decision Day. Approximately 30% of
the appropriation — estimated at $1.2 million — would be released for MI purposes, with the remainder
conditioned on achieving MI approval. Members noted that the existing GHS pool dates to the 1970s
and has experienced mechanical and structural deterioration, and that the Board of Education is
continuing to refine the scope of the project in response to community input.
Julian Curtiss School
Members received updated information from the project manager indicating that despite a slightly
higher preliminary cost figure received from the Building Committee at $3,381,600 the budget can be
brought back in line with the current appropriation of $3,369,000. No adjustment was made.
Parks and Recreation
Byram Hill — Concrete Overhang Removal
Upon a motion by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Kelly, to delete $50,000 for the Byram Hill concrete
overhang removal at the request of Parks and Recreation, the motion carried 4-0.
Eastern Greenwich Civic Center — Tennis and Pickleball Court Replacement
Upon a motion by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Kelly, to add $50,000 to the FY27 budget, moving it
from the $50,000 in the FY28 capital plan, the motion carried 4-0.
This motion allows for design, specifications, and engineering for the replacement of the hybrid
pickleball and tennis courts at Eastern Greenwich Civic Center — courts that are over 50 years old —
by moving those funds forward from the FY28 capital plan while leaving the $450,000 construction
appropriation in place in the out year.
Fixed Charges — Bond and BAN Acquisition and Interest
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to reduce bond and ban acquisition and interest
by $104,000 to $1,811,000, the motion carried 4-0.

Parking Fund — Capital
Multi-Space Meter Program
Upon a motion by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to increase the multi-space meter program by
$500 for purposes of rounding to $215,000, the motion carried 4-0.
Parking Facility Improvement Plan
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to reduce the Parking Facility Improvement Plan
by $35,000, the motion carried 4-0.

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Mr. Fisher noted the item was designated for the south employee lot of the Havemeyer Building, which
is not a public lot and therefore not an appropriate charge to the Parking Fund. He further noted that
repaving the lot should be deferred until the future use of the building is determined.
Nathaniel Witherell — Capital
Ceiling Replacement in Resident Rooms
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Ms. Erickson, to reduce the ceiling replacement in resident
rooms by $735,000 to $0, the motion carried 4-0.
Members noted that the proposed call bell system that had driven the project was reconsidered as
potentially outdated technology, and that the Town recently added approximately the same amount to
the Nathaniel Witherell capital plan for emergency pipe repairs, making a further capital commitment
premature at this time.

REVENUE
General Fund
Interest Earned on Investments
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to increase Interest Earned on Investments by
$1,000,000 to $6,000,000, the motion carried 4-0.
The Investment Advisory Committee worked with the Finance Department to assess projected balances
and noted that prior year actuals reached $5.5 million with the current-year budget tracking at $7
million, making a projection of $6 million for FY27 well-supported.
Tax Collector — Not Otherwise Classified
Upon a motion by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to add $350,000 to the Tax Collector's Not
Otherwise Classified line to reflect income and expense penalties on personal property — a line that
had been inadvertently zeroed out — the motion carried 4-0.
Planning & Zoning Filing Fees
Upon a motion by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Kelly, to increase P&Z Filing Fees by $215,000 to $1.24
million, the motion carried 4-0.
The revision reflects updated projections based on feedback from Planning and Zoning Director Patrick
LaRow and incorporates the fee structure increase effective January 2025.
Fire Marshal Plan Review Services
Upon a motion by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Kelly, to increase Fire Marshal Plan Review Services
revenue by $100,000 to $800,000, the motion carried 4-0.
Members noted this revenue source was introduced two years ago with an initial projection of
$400,000–$500,000 and has consistently exceeded expectations due to the intensive nature of plan
review activity in the Fire Marshal's Office.
Highway Streets and Bridges — State Reimbursement
Upon a motion by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to increase Highway Streets and Bridges
reimbursement revenue by $2,500,000 to $2,500,000, the motion carried 4-0.

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Three Z-Fund projects with grant reimbursements expected in FY27 include CMAQ Glenville, CMAQ
Route 1, and Route 1 Byram; the $2.5 million reflects a conservative estimate assuming receipt of any
two of the three.
Local Capital Improvement Program
Upon a motion by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to increase the Local Capital Improvement
Program by $135,644 based on the proposed Hartford budget, the motion carried 4-0.
School Out of District and Preschool Tuition
Ms. Erickson noted that the Board of Education's fee review, typically completed in February, is
occurring this month. If changes result, they may be addressed at BET Decision Day on March 31.

Parks and Recreation Revenue — General Fund
Upon a motion by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to increase Parks and Recreation general
fund revenue by $230,080 on an omnibus basis, reflecting fee increases approved by the Board of
Selectmen in December, the motion carried 4-0.
PILOT — Taxes on Properties
Upon a motion by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to increase PILOT revenue by $27,380 to
$1,111,000, the motion carried 4-0.
Cancellation of Prior Year Encumbrances
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to increase Cancellation of Prior Year
Encumbrances by $200,000 to $2,200,000, the motion carried 4-0.
The Finance Department noted the adjustment reflects the proportional growth of encumbrances
consistent with overall budget growth, and that actual results have exceeded this estimate in both prior
and current years.
Sewer Maintenance Fund
Upon a motion by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Kelly, to increase the Sewer Maintenance Fund septic
tank permit revenue by $100,000 to $350,000, the motion carried 4-0.
The line had been held at $250,000 since FY21 despite actual revenues consistently exceeding
$360,000 in recent years and tracking above $400,000 in the current year. The change was made at
the suggestion of the head of DPW.
Griffith E. Harris Golf Course — Interest on Investments
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to increase the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course
investment interest revenue from $110,000 to $150,000, the motion carried 4-0.
Griffith E. Harris Golf Course — Fee-Based Revenue
Upon a motion by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to increase Griffith E. Harris Golf Course feebased revenue by $212,341, the motion carried 4-0.

BUDGET SCHEDULES / MILL RATE

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A summary of actions taken thus far result in:
•

Operating costs reduced by $1,095,606

•

Capital requests reduced by $777,000

•

State and federal aid revenues increased by $2,663,024

•

All other revenues increased by $2,095,080

The combined effect reduced the proposed mill rate increase from 6.01% to 4.70%.
Capital Tax Levy
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Kelly, to change the Capital Tax Levy from an increase
of $3,000,000 to an increase of $5,000,000, going from $64,000,000 to $66,000,000, the motion failed
2-2.
FINAL VOTES ON ALL FUNDS
Vote on original motion to approve the FY2026-2027 Operating Budget as amended, reflecting a net
reduction of $1,095,606, the motion carried 4-0.
Vote on original motion to approve the FY2026-2027 Capital Budget as amended, reflecting a net
reduction of $777,000 the motion carried 4-0.
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to approve the Sewer Maintenance Fund at an
amount to be financed of $9,976,511, the motion carried 4-0.
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Kelly, to approve the Sewer Improvement Fund at an
amount to be financed of $5,168,000 as presented in the budget book, the motion carried 4-0.
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to approve the Nathaniel Witherell Revolving
Fund at a revised total of $35,859,046 — reflecting reductions of $735,000 in Capital and $85,199 in
Operating — the motion carried 4-0.
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to approve the School Lunch Program
Revolving Fund with ordinary expenses of $5,449,238, the motion carried 4-0.
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to approve the Parking Fund — Parking
Services at $3,425,466, the motion carried 4-0.
Upon a motion by Mr. Fenton, seconded by Mr. Fisher, to approve the Parking Fund — Highway Traffic
Operations at $1,472,858, the motion carried 4-0.
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to approve the Parking Fund — State Portion
with total expenses of $938,124, the motion carried 4-0.
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Kelly, to approve the Griffith E. Harris Golf Course
Revolving Fund with total expenses of $2,920,836, the motion carried 4-0.
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Kelly, to approve the Retirement Fund with expenditures
of $2,262,291, the motion carried 4-0.
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Kelly, to approve the Other Post-Employment Benefits
(OPEB) Fund with total expenditures of $8,581,000, the motion carried 4-0.

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Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to approve the Shellfish Commission with total
expenditures of $57,651, the motion carried 4-0.
Upon a motion by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to approve the Harbor Management
Commission with total expenditures of $81,000, the motion carried 4-0.

OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. Erickson noted that budget resolutions are in preparation, including a resolution related to the new
speed enforcement cameras and a potential resolution for the GHS Aquatics and Tennis Project. As the
Law Committee is meeting Thursday, she anticipates resolutions will be ready for review at the Budget
Committee's regular meeting the following Tuesday. Conditions discussed throughout the day will be
formally taken up by the full BET at Decision Day on March 31, 2026. Ms. Erickson also noted that the
full BET will be asked to adopt the revaluation grand list at that meeting.

ADJOURNMENT
Upon a motion by Mr. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to adjourn, the motion carried 4-0. The meeting
was adjourned at 12:07 PM.

See Appendix 1 for a summary of all motions and votes.

Respectfully submitted,

_______________________________
Leo Berisha, Recording Secretary

_______________________________
Laura Erickson, Chair

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Appendix 1
MOTIONS AND VOTES — SUMMARY TABLE
#

Motion / Item

Amount

Moved By

Seconded
By

Vote

—

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

Carried

OPENING OF PROCEEDINGS
1

Open proceedings — First Selectman's Operating & Capital
Budgets

OPERATING BUDGET — GENERAL GOVERNMENT
2

Law Department — eliminate print subscriptions

($12,000)

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

P&Z Board of Appeals — Zoning Enforcement Officer
reclassification

$5,741

Ms. Erickson

Mr. Fisher

4-0

OPERATING BUDGET — PUBLIC SAFETY
4

Fire Department — Water Service reduction

($100,000)

Mr. Fenton

Mr. Kelly

4-0

Police Department — General Services addition (1.3 positions)

$124,640

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

$11,341

Ms. Erickson

Mr. Fisher

4-0

($48,328)

Mr. Fenton

Mr. Fisher

3-1

OPERATING BUDGET — PUBLIC WORKS
6

Waste Disposal Division — reclassification in grade

OPERATING BUDGET — HEALTH
7

Health Administration — Temporary Salaries reduction

OPERATING BUDGET — FIXED CHARGES
8

Employee Health Premium Contribution increase —
WITHDRAWN

$1,005,000

Mr. Fenton

Ms. Erickson

Withdrawn

Repayment of Debt Principal and Interest — bond premium
amortization

($1,077,000)

Ms. Erickson

Mr. Fisher

4-0

($85,199)

Ms. Erickson

Mr. Fisher

4-0

OPERATING BUDGET — OTHER FUNDS
10

Nathaniel Witherell — Electric Service, held flat at FY26 level

CAPITAL BUDGET — FIRE DEPARTMENT
11

Volunteer Tanker — new CIP Round Hill Fire Company (new
town-owned tanker)

-0-

Mr. Fisher

Ms. Erickson

4-0

Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Company — support vehicle &
equipment

$300,000

Mr. Fisher

Ms. Erickson

4-0

CAPITAL BUDGET — POLICE DEPARTMENT
13

Facility Security Door Replacement — rounding reduction

($180)

Ms. Erickson

Mr. Fisher

4-0

Police Boat 124 — replacement vessel

$297,000

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

CAPITAL BUDGET — PUBLIC WORKS
15

Multi-Use Trail FY28 — project not proceeding, removed

($3,500,000)

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

Grigg Street Bollards — sidewalk protection removed

($400,000)

Mr. Fenton

Mr. Fisher

4-0

Resiliency Infrastructure Improvement Project — deferred one
year

($250,000)

Ms. Erickson

Mr. Fisher

4-0

($420,000)

Mr. Kelly

Mr. Fenton

4-0

Mr. Fisher

Ms. Erickson

4-0

CAPITAL BUDGET — PARKS & RECREATION
18

Horseneck Building Demolition — removed from FY27

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park — amendment to reduce deletion

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park — motion as amended (leaving
$250,000)

($750,000)

Ms. Erickson

Mr. Fenton

4-0

Holly Hill Master Plan — addition to FY27, remove $450K from
FY28

$650,000

Mr. Fenton

Mr. Fisher

4-0

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Motion / Item

Amount

Moved By

Seconded
By

Vote

Byram Hill — Concrete Overhang Removal

($50,000)

Mr. Fenton

Mr. Kelly

4-0

Eastern Greenwich Civic Center — Tennis/Pickleball Court
design (moved from FY28)

$50,000

Mr. Fenton

Mr. Kelly

4-0

($100,000)

Ms. Erickson

Mr. Fisher

4-0

$300

Ms. Erickson

Mr. Fisher

4-0

($9,500,000)

Ms. Erickson

Mr. Fisher

4-0

($104,000)

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

$500

Ms. Erickson

Mr. Fisher

4-0

($35,000)

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

($735,000)

Mr. Fisher

Ms. Erickson

4-0

CAPITAL BUDGET — EXTERNAL ENTITIES & SCHOOLS
24

External Entities — Security Cameras deleted (not town
obligation)

School Kitchen Equipment — rounding adjustment

GHS Secondary Egress & Tennis Courts FY30 — consolidated
into GHS Aquatics & Tennis Project

CAPITAL BUDGET — FIXED CHARGES
27

Bond and BAN Acquisition and Interest — annual calculation
adjustment

CAPITAL BUDGET — PARKING FUND
28

Multi-Space Meter Program — rounding adjustment

Parking Facility Improvement Plan — Havemeyer south lot
removed

CAPITAL BUDGET — NATHANIEL WITHERELL
30

Ceiling Replacement in Resident Rooms — reduced to $0

REVENUE — GENERAL FUND
31

Interest Earned on Investments — increase to $6,000,000

$1,000,000

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

Tax Collector NOC — income & expense penalties on personal
property

$350,000

Ms. Erickson

Mr. Fisher

4-0

P&Z Filing Fees — reflects January 2025 fee structure increase

$215,000

Mr. Fenton

Mr. Kelly

4-0

Fire Marshal Plan Review Services — increase to $800,000

$100,000

Mr. Fenton

Mr. Kelly

4-0

Highway Streets & Bridges — state reimbursement (Z-Fund
projects)

$2,500,000

Mr. Fenton

Mr. Fisher

4-0

Local Capital Improvement Program — based on proposed
Hartford budget

$135,644

Ms. Erickson

Mr. Fisher

4-0

Parks & Recreation Revenue — omnibus, Board of Selectmen
approved fees

$230,080

Ms. Erickson

Mr. Fisher

4-0

PILOT — Taxes on Properties

$27,380

Mr. Fenton

Mr. Fisher

4-0

Cancellation of Prior Year Encumbrances

$200,000

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

REVENUE — OTHER FUNDS
40

Sewer Maintenance Fund — septic tank permit revenue
increase

$100,000

Mr. Fenton

Mr. Kelly

4-0

Griffith E. Harris Golf Course — Interest on Investments

$40,000

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

Griffith E. Harris Golf Course — Fee-Based Revenue

$212,341

Mr. Fenton

Mr. Fisher

4-0

$2,000,000

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Kelly

2-2 FAILED

BUDGET SCHEDULES — MILL RATE
43

Capital Tax Levy — increase from $3M to $5M annual
increment

FINAL VOTES ON ALL FUNDS
44

FY2026-2027 Operating Budget as amended — net reduction
$1,095,606

$542,449,079

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

FY2026-2027 Capital Budget as amended — net reduction
$777,000

$92,246,000

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

Sewer Maintenance Fund

$9,976,511

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

BET Budget Committee Decision Day Meeting Minutes – March 4, 2026 – Subject to Approval

Page 61 of 65

Motion / Item

Amount

Moved By

Seconded
By

Vote

Sewer Improvement Fund

$5,168,000

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Kelly

4-0

Nathaniel Witherell Revolving Fund

$35,859,046

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

School Lunch Program Revolving Fund

$5,449,238

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

Parking Fund — Parking Services

$3,425,466

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

Parking Fund — Highway Traffic Operations

$1,472,858

Mr. Fenton

Mr. Fisher

4-0

Parking Fund — State Portion

$938,124

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

Griffith E. Harris Golf Course Revolving Fund

$2,920,836

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Kelly

4-0

Retirement Fund

$2,262,291

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Kelly

4-0

OPEB Fund

$8,581,000

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Kelly

4-0

Shellfish Commission

$57,651

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

Harbor Management Commission

$81,000

Mr. Fisher

Mr. Fenton

4-0

BET Budget Committee Decision Day Meeting Minutes – March 4, 2026 – Subject to Approval

Page 62 of 65

TOWN OF GREENWICH
BOARD OF ESTIMATE AND TAXATION
BUDGET COMMITTEE
TOWN HALL MEETING ROOM
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 – 1:00 PM

VOTED AGENDA
VOTE
1. Requests for Budget Adjustments
Number

Department

Amount

Purpose

PW-4
DPW
A Fund/Various

$1,195,000

Additional Appropriation
4-0-0
Cover Costs for Snow & Ice Control

PS-1
G219 52300

$130,000

Additional Appropriation
Equipment Rental

Parking Services

2. Approval of BET Budget Committee Meeting Minutes
 February 17, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 3
 February 18, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
 February 19, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 4
 February 24, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 5
 February 26, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 6
 March 3, 2026 Decision Day

Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. in Town Hall Meeting Room.

4-0-0

4-0-0
4-0-0
4-0-0
4-0-0
4-0-0
4-0-0

Page 63 of 65

TOWN OF GREENWICH
BOARD OF ESTIMATE & TAXATION
BUDGET COMMITTEE
TOWN HALL MEETING ROOM
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 – 1:00 PM
Committee:

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

Staff:

Joan Lynch, Comptroller; Agnes Cawai, Budget Director; Leo Berisha, Executive Asst. to
Comptroller; Jim Michel, DPW Commissioner, Bill McCormick, DPW Business Services
Manager; Jay Domeseck, Fleet Director; James Bonney, Deputy Chief of Police

BET:

Leslie Tarkington, David Weisbrod

Chair Erickson called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM.
1. Requests for Budget Adjustments
Number
Department
Amount
PW-4
DPW
A Fund/Various

$1,325,000

Purpose
Additional Appropriation
Cover Costs for Snow & Ice Control

Upon a motion made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, PW-4 was brought before the
Committee for discussion.
Mr. Michel, Mr. Domeseck, Mr. McCormick, and Deputy Chief James Bonney presented the item. Mr.
Michel reported that the Town received approximately 65 inches of snowfall this winter, more than
twice the budgeted average of 30 inches. Several storms fell on holidays and weekends, resulting in
overtime at elevated rates. Snow removal operations are carried out by three groups: DPW highway
staff plowing roads, Parks staff clearing school properties, and outside contractors handling townowned parking lots and railroad station lots. An extended deep freeze in January required overnight
snow removal operations to restore parking capacity in lots and along roadways.
The request covers overtime, salt and materials, and equipment rental sufficient to close out the
fiscal year. Mr. Michel confirmed that the request includes funds to replenish salt sheds to capacity
before July 1, taking advantage of current contract pricing ahead of a scheduled price increase. He
noted that March typically sees 5 to 7 storms, that current forecasts are favorable, and that any
unspent funds would revert to the General Fund. He acknowledged that rising oil prices could
reduce paving output this summer, but that the limited freeze-thaw cycling this winter may partially
mitigate road damage.

BET Budget Committee Meeting Minutes 3-11-2026 – STA DRAFT

Page 64 of 65

Fleet Director Domeseck noted that Fleet staff supported DPW operations throughout the season on
nights, weekends, and holidays, and that the $35,000 Fleet overtime component addresses a
current shortfall.
Upon discussion, the motion was amended by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, to address PW4 (DPW, $1,195,000) and PS-1 (Parking Services, $130,000) as separate items consistent with their
submission as separate budget sheets. The vote was called on PW-4 and PS-1. The Committee
voted 4-0 to recommend approval of both items. Recommended as non-routine, pending
confirmation of source of funds. The Finance Department will follow up with both DPW and Parking
Services to determine if the Parking Fund is a potential source in addition to the General Fund.
______________________________________________________________________________________

2. New Business
 First Read of the BET Reference Manual
Chair Erickson presented proposed revisions to the BET Reference Manual, referred from
the Policies and Procedures Committee. The Committee provided feedback. The Policies
and Procedures Committee aims to present a first read to the full BET in May with a vote in
June.
3. Old Business
 There was no Old Business to discuss.
4. Approval of BET Budget Committee Meeting Minutes
Upon a motion made by Mr. Fisher, seconded by Mr. Fenton, the Committee voted unanimously, 40, to approve the following meeting minutes:
 February 17, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 3
 February 18, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
 February 19, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 4
 February 24, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 5
 February 26, 2026 Budget Dept Reviews Day 6
 March 3, 2026 Decision Day
5. Chair Report
Chair Erickson reported that the bond deauthorization process has been deferred to April, at which
time bond counsel from Robinson & Cole is expected to attend. The April agenda will also include a
second read of the BET Reference Manual.
Following Decision Day, Chair Erickson reached out to Nathaniel Witherell's Executive Director and
Board Chair to inform them of the BET's actions and to invite them to appear at the July full BET
meeting.
6. Adjournment
Upon a motion made by Mr. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Fisher, the Committee voted 4-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 1:34 PM.
Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. in Town Hall Meeting Room.

BET Budget Committee Meeting Minutes 3-11-2026 – STA DRAFT

Page 65 of 65

Respectfully submitted,

___________________________________
Leo Berisha, Recording Secretary

___________________________________
Laura Erickson, Chair

BET Budget Committee Meeting Minutes 3-11-2026 – STA DRAFT

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