Stonington deliberates ARPA broadband uses and routine budget votes, approves equipment and contract purchases

Selectmen in Stonington reviewed multiple budget and operational items during meetings this winter and spring, including use of expected American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, equipment purchases and routine contract approvals.

Town Manager Billings told the board the town expects roughly $119,000 in ARPA funds and recommended using a portion for broadband project components; she said the acceptance article for those funds would appear on the town-meeting warrant. TM also reported an annual adjusted PERC tipping rate rising from $77.88 to $79.20 per ton.

Board votes recorded during the meeting series included: approval of a gas-model striper and attachments for public works at $3,500 (motion passed 5-0), approval of a three-year sweeping contract (first-year cost $4,800, then $150 additional each year; motion passed 5-0), approval to sell certain foreclosed properties by bid (motion passed 5-0), and approval for Sue's School of Dance to use the ballfield May 22'23 (motion passed 5-0).

The board also discussed committee appointments, harbor management staffing (appointment of a new harbormaster was noted in the records), and direction to town staff to prepare documents for potential land purchase and lease matters. Several items require follow-up in drafting lease terms or preparing town-meeting warrant language for appropriations.