$593,400 in unexpected revenue goes to capital projects

The council on Sept. 22 approved lease financing, a loan repaid in yearly installments, of up to $727,850 over no more than 10 years for: a $235,850 boiler for Memorial School, $150,000 to replace the middle school gym heating and cooling, a $130,000 public works truck, a $115,000 public works Bobcat loader, a $62,000 fire command vehicle and a $35,000 building department vehicle.

This year's budget holds $115,000 for the first payment. Yearly payments will run about $90,000 to $122,000, depending on the term and the rate.

The town has 82 miles of paved road and 10 of gravel. Public Works Director Matthew Walsh told the Board of Finance on Sept. 21 that 15 miles need major rehabilitation and 21 need minor work. Fixing those while keeping 42 miles of routine-maintenance roads from slipping would take up to five years, about 10 miles a year, at $15 million to $20 million.

Daniel Street moved into the worst category after the Wopowog bridge replacement pushed its work back.

A homestead exemption lowers the taxable value of owner-occupied homes. The council dropped the idea on Aug. 11 without a vote; its minutes say the item "is off the table." Staff's rough estimate for a 22.5% exemption: about $200 million off the grand list, the town's total taxable value, and a mill rate, the tax per $1,000 of value, a few dollars higher.

Two residents raised concerns at the meeting, one warning the cost would shift to retirees, renters, small businesses, undeveloped land and car owners. Members raised the same concern. New Milford was cited as the only Connecticut town known to have adopted one.