Falls Village: Finance board keeps school budget cut

FALLS VILLAGE — The Board of Finance stuck with their decision to cut $20,000 from the Board of Education’s proposed spending plan after a special meeting Monday, May 16.

The May 16 meeting came after an unusually contentious Board of Finance meeting Monday, May 9, during which First Selectman Henry Todd and finance chair Dick Heinz sparred repeatedly over whether or not the Board of Finance needs to approve expenditures from the town’s share of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Heinz insisted the finance board has that obligation and authority; Todd said they did not.

The finance board did approve the proposed spending plan from the selectmen, with the addition of $15,000 for the Planning and Zoning Commission, for a total of $2,121,474.

But the board reduced the Board of Education’s proposal of $3,641,541 by $20,000 on a motion from Dan Silverman, who cited the school board’s failure to respond to a question weeks earlier.

On May 16, Silverman again said he never got a substantive response to his question of what a $20,000 cut would mean for the proposed spending plan.

Board of Education chair Pat Mechare, who was in the audience, said that the school board’s attorney advised her that responding to questions about cuts would mean the finance board was taking an operational role that is the responsibility of the school board.

The finance board members disagreed, taking the position that their responsibility is to make sure town funds are spent properly and they cannot do that if they can’t get answers to their questions.

Several members said that if the school board needs the $20,000, they can ask the finance board for an additional appropriation (and explain why) at a later date.

Like the May 9 meeting, the special meeting got heated, with Mechare trying to respond and Heinz asking her to be quiet.

The town meeting on the spending plans is May 26, 7 p.m. at the Emergency Services Center.

Latest News

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Leila Hawken

KENT– A year-and-a-half-long legal dispute over an unpermitted roadway and dock built through wetlands on North Spectacle Pond is approaching a resolution. The KenMont and KenWood summer camp and the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission are close to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

The conflict began after the IWWC denied the camp’s retroactive application in March 2024 for the road and dock, which were constructed without town approval sometime last decade. The Commission found both structures violated town regulations, leading the camp to file a legal appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less