Marlborough Board of Finance schedules contingent meeting to set mill rate, reviews budget process
June 06, 2026 | Marlborough, Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut
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The Marlborough Board of Finance voted May 18 to schedule a special meeting for 6:00 p.m. on June 1, 2026, to set the town’s mill rate if the RHAM budget passes its upcoming referendum. Chairperson Michael Nastri said the board has six days to set the mill rate after a budget is approved by referendum and reviewed options depending on multiple possible referendum outcomes.
The motion to set the June 1 meeting was made by Ken Hjulstrom and seconded by Baird Welch-Collins; the board voted unanimously to approve the schedule. Board members noted that if the RHAM referendum fails again and is rescheduled for June 16, 2026, the board might cancel its regular June 15 meeting and meet instead on June 17 to set the mill rate if required.
The board also held a comprehensive debrief on the FY 2026–27 budget process, focusing on improving clarity and accuracy in budget documents, boosting public engagement, and strengthening collaboration with neighboring towns. Members asked that the Finance Director attend future budget meetings when available to provide technical support and improve transparency during negotiations.
In liaison reports, regular member Will Guzman reported that RHAM had reduced its proposed budget by $670,874; Guzman said that reduction equates to approximately $290,000 for Marlborough. Guzman also confirmed the RHAM vote was scheduled for May 26, 2026.
On financial reporting, the Town Manager answered questions about recent figures and reported that a draft audit should be available by mid-June, with the final audit to be submitted by June 30, 2026.
Votes at a glance: The board approved an amendment to the agenda order for minutes (motion by Baird Welch-Collins, seconded by Will Guzman); approved the April 20 public hearing minutes; approved the April 20 regular meeting minutes as amended (the board approved several specific textual corrections); approved the May 4 public hearing minutes; and voted to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. All recorded motions carried unanimously as reflected in the minutes.
The board’s next steps are calendar-dependent: if the RHAM referendum results require the town to set a mill rate within six days, the board will reconvene at the scheduled special meeting; otherwise the next regular meeting date stands. The meeting minutes were submitted by Board Clerk Debby Rihm.
The motion to set the June 1 meeting was made by Ken Hjulstrom and seconded by Baird Welch-Collins; the board voted unanimously to approve the schedule. Board members noted that if the RHAM referendum fails again and is rescheduled for June 16, 2026, the board might cancel its regular June 15 meeting and meet instead on June 17 to set the mill rate if required.
The board also held a comprehensive debrief on the FY 2026–27 budget process, focusing on improving clarity and accuracy in budget documents, boosting public engagement, and strengthening collaboration with neighboring towns. Members asked that the Finance Director attend future budget meetings when available to provide technical support and improve transparency during negotiations.
In liaison reports, regular member Will Guzman reported that RHAM had reduced its proposed budget by $670,874; Guzman said that reduction equates to approximately $290,000 for Marlborough. Guzman also confirmed the RHAM vote was scheduled for May 26, 2026.
On financial reporting, the Town Manager answered questions about recent figures and reported that a draft audit should be available by mid-June, with the final audit to be submitted by June 30, 2026.
Votes at a glance: The board approved an amendment to the agenda order for minutes (motion by Baird Welch-Collins, seconded by Will Guzman); approved the April 20 public hearing minutes; approved the April 20 regular meeting minutes as amended (the board approved several specific textual corrections); approved the May 4 public hearing minutes; and voted to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. All recorded motions carried unanimously as reflected in the minutes.
The board’s next steps are calendar-dependent: if the RHAM referendum results require the town to set a mill rate within six days, the board will reconvene at the scheduled special meeting; otherwise the next regular meeting date stands. The meeting minutes were submitted by Board Clerk Debby Rihm.
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