Marlborough selectmen review FY26–27 draft budget, hear senior center staffing proposal and revaluation update

Town Manager David Porter presented the Board of Selectmen with the FY26–27 draft budget and said he had been charged with trying to limit the proposed tax increase to roughly 3.5 percent. Porter identified driving expenses that increased the budget while noting offsets in other areas. He also said the town’s new financial director is implementing ClearGov to improve budget transparency for residents.

The Commission on Aging, represented by Shoshana Merced and Commission Chair Peggy Golfin, asked the board to consider creating a part‑time position at the Marlborough Senior Center to help secure grants and manage programming. Golfin said the position could be regionalized and that the commission could pursue an ARPIP grant; she estimated the annual cost at $26,310 if the board approved the position. The presenters told the board the Senior Center currently lacks volunteers to process grant applications.

Tax Assessor Simon Wake briefed the board on the recent revaluation process, noting that notices have been sent to residents and discussing how proposed building projects could affect the grand list. Board members asked for details on valuation breakdowns between commercial and residential properties.

Other items discussed: Porter described the Connecticut Tire Stewardship Program as 100 percent state funded and at no cost to the town or residents; Ms. McFarland asked him to investigate further and report back. The board also discussed whether the Town Manager had 120 days for contract review after attorney revisions and ultimately tabled the Town Manager contract to the next meeting for the chair to confer with the town attorney. The board similarly tabled establishment of the Marlborough Elementary School Building Committee (MESBC).

What’s next: Budget discussions will continue at the board’s next meeting; staff follow up was requested on the SMM grant modification, the tire stewardship program, and the Town Manager contract review.