Selectmen set 2020 mil rate, use surplus to offset taxes and approve low bid for SHIP Pier project

The Stonington Selectmen approved several finance and capital items affecting the town’s near‑term budget and infrastructure spending.

Tax rate: The board set the 2020 mil rate at 1.157 and voted to apply $150,000 from the town’s surplus to offset the tax commitment. Selectmen said the move aimed to preserve liquidity given pandemic‑era revenue uncertainty.

TAN and bids: The board opened tax anticipation note (TAN) bids and selected a bid consistent with municipal counsel guidance. During a separate bid opening for the SHIP Pier project, selectmen accepted a low bid from a contractor recommended by the town engineer and authorized contract award.

Pier repairs and harbor maintenance: Following engineer review, selectmen accepted a low bid to proceed with Pier improvements and authorized additional maintenance spending on hoist repairs and ramp work where required.

Other procurement: The board compared salt and fuel bids and awarded contracts to vendors that met municipal procurement and pricing criteria.

Next steps: The town manager and finance staff will execute TAN paperwork and coordinate contract award paperwork for the Pier project; staff will report back to the board on project scheduling and financing.