Board packet details multiple FY2026 year‑end transfers; dozens of departmental shifts recorded

The Aug. 31 packet contains detailed memos showing a series of FY2026 year‑end transfer requests from department directors and the Finance Department to reconcile end‑of‑year shortfalls and one‑time costs.

Public Works Director Edward Gentile submitted multiple transfers to cover overtime, repairs and energy bills; examples in the packet include transfers to cover snow‑removal overtime, motor‑fuel shortages, facility repairs, and street light maintenance. The packet explains the transfers were funded from end‑of‑year balances in other line items (vacancies or reduced activity) and are intended for referral to the Board of Finance.

The Finance Director, Joshua Kaufman, requested a $66,923 transfer to Social Security to cover a late‑payment penalty assessed by the IRS after a Board of Education payroll tax payment was not scheduled in 2025. The memo notes: "The IRS ultimately assessed a $49,396 late‑payment penalty and denied the Town's waiver request in June 2026. The State waiver remains pending, with a potential $24,296 penalty." The packet also includes a requested transfer of $312,988 to Town Counsel and smaller transfers covering police overtime, fire marshal salary, and consulting services for Planning & Zoning.

Many of these transfer requests were recorded as motions and approved at the Board’s Aug. 10 meeting (included in the packet). The Aug. 10 minutes show unanimous votes on several of the transfers presented that evening.