New Milford Town Council Approves School Surplus Plan, Boosts First Responders

NEW MILFORD, CT — The Town Council accepted a $556,250 state grant to expand sidewalks, approved the Board of Education's year-end surplus allocation, and created a new non-lapsing fund for first responder equipment during its June 22 meeting.

The council unanimously accepted a $556,250 Connecticut Department of Transportation Community Connectivity Grant to construct new sidewalks along Young's Field Road, extending from Patriot's Way to Helen Marx Park. Town officials said the fully funded project will improve pedestrian safety and connect residential neighborhoods with recreational facilities.

Design Engineer Chuck Ballard said the project also includes drainage improvements and ADA-compliant sidewalks. Mayor Pete Bass said the work will improve walkability between Native Meadows, the riverwalk and Helen Marx Park.

In an 8-1 vote, the council approved the Board of Education's proposed distribution of its 2025-26 year-end surplus, subject to the final audit. The plan returns nearly $503,000 to the town for an Education Cost Sharing lease payment, repays $232,906 in grant funds to the town, allocates $50,000 to the Turf Field Replacement Fund and establishes a new $50,000 non-lapsing Board of Education fund. The remaining balance will be deposited into the district's capital reserve account.

Superintendent Janet Parlato said the new non-lapsing fund would allow the district to address unexpected expenses, including special education costs, without relying solely on annual appropriations. Under state law, the fund may not exceed 2 percent of the district's operating budget.

Related: New Milford BOE Approves Surplus Distribution, Enrollment Study And School Administrator Hire

The council also unanimously established the New Milford First Responder Fund, a non-lapsing account intended to support long-term capital needs for emergency responders. Mayor Bass said revenue generated from fines issued through the town's new school bus camera enforcement program will be deposited into the fund.

Council members unanimously approved year-end budget transfers, carried-in-force appropriations, the June 8 meeting minutes, tax refunds totaling $710.07 and the appointment of Stephen Edward Barone to the 9/11 Committee for a term ending Jan. 31, 2030. The council also accepted donations of a microwave toaster oven and a pop-up tent for the Parks and Recreation Department.

During public comment, several residents urged the council to seek the resignation of Board of Finance member Joseph Troiano because of his role as treasurer for the legislative campaign of Republican candidate Jadon MacCormack. Another resident raised concerns about overnight construction activity on Taylor Terrace, prompting discussion about the town's lack of a noise ordinance. Town Attorney Randy DiBella said adoption of such an ordinance would require approval from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

See Also: New Milford Wetlands Commission Approves Warehouse Expansion, Sets Hearing On Streambank Project

Mayor Bass also announced that New Milford had retained its AAA bond rating for the third consecutive year, credited town and school officials for prudent financial management, and highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects and upcoming community events. The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.