Selectmen say FY25-26 largely on track; emergency services and animal control may need small appropriation

First Selectman Bob Carlson told the Board of Selectmen on June 16 that his review of the town’s unofficial P&L through June 11 shows most departments are within budget and he does not expect a large appropriation before July 1.

Carlson identified two exceptions that may require a line-item appropriation: a state police invoice for emergency services that arrived late in the fiscal year and increased hours (and the addition of an assistant) for the animal control officer. He estimated any required appropriation would likely be under $20,000 and therefore could be processed without calling a town meeting.

Carlson also noted revenue was likely to be higher than budgeted because of permitting revenue and a pending master Pequat fund payment; he estimated overall giveback in the $600,000–$700,000 range and projected the town could be $400,000–$500,000 over revenue estimates.

Why it matters: Small appropriations for public-safety-related charges and animal control could be handled administratively if amounts remain under statutory thresholds; larger shortfalls would require a town meeting or board of finance action.

Next steps: Carlson said he will refine figures and bring any necessary appropriation to the Board of Selectmen on July 7 and, if needed, to the Board of Finance.