Lemmen back on finance board as chairman

FALLS VILLAGE — The Board of Finance re-elected Charles Lemmen as chairman and heard a mixed bag of financial news from Town Treasurer Linda Paviol and First Selectman Pat Mechare during its regular meeting Monday, Feb. 9.

Paviol reported that the town’s budget targets for overtime and road safety supplies were on target. “So even if we get some weekend snowstorms, we’re in good shape to handle them� without going over budget.

But Mechare reported that she had received a preliminary list of funds the town can expect in state assistance. “We’re taking a total hit of $41,066,� she said.

“The one area that got hit hardest, the one that all the towns have been asking not be cut, was Town Aid-Roads,� she said, as finance members groaned. The preliminary figure has the town’s road funds down $22,166.

At last month’s meeting between members of the Northwest Connecticut Council of Governments, the Litchfield Hills Council of Elected Officials and the region’s state Legislators, the assembled first selectmen were unanimous — and loud — in insisting that state aid for town highway maintenance be left alone.

However, Mechare added, the Education Cost Sharing figure remained unchanged. “For now,� she added. “None of this is set in stone.�

The finance board also approved  a motion by member Lou Timolat to send a letter to the town’s auditing firm, Meyers and Company of Danbury, offering to renew the contract (which just expired) for another three years at the current fee.

“If not, we’ll put out a Request For Proposals,� said Timolat.

Lemmen, who missed the January board meeting for health reasons, was re-elected as chairman, with the proviso that Timolat would act as his assistant. “I’ll be your gofer,� Timolat said.

Board members were happy to go along with the idea. Timolat said Lemmen has a well-deserved reputation for being even-handed.

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