North Canaan modifies town, school spending plans

NORTH CANAAN — Following requests by the Board of Finance to reexamine 2025-26 spending proposals, the boards of selectmen and education presented updated plans Wednesday, April 9.

For town spending, Board of Finance Chairman Doug Humes suggested the full first selectman’s salary, which was initially reduced to $6,500, be reinstated.

In his explanation Humes said, “The first selectman takes more responsibilities than the rest of the board.”

The Board of Finance also asked about $5,000 allocated to “contingency fund.”First Selectman Brian Ohler said this line is for discretionary spending and could be removed at the finance board’s request.

The selectmen modified both lines of the town spending plan. The first selectman’s salary was set at $24,000 and the contingency fund was reduced to $0.

The updated municipal spending proposal shows a bottom line of $3,239,732, a reduction of $3,204 from last year’s budget.

For educational expenses, the board asked North Canaan Elementary School Principal Beth Johnson to reduce spending where possible.

She returned April 9 with a lowered bottom line.

“We pulled about $42,000 off the teacher’s line,” said Johnson, explaining the severances for retired individuals will be paid out of this year’s budget instead of next year’s.

The updated NCES spending plan totals $4,767,136.46, an increase of $231,023.76, or 5.09%, compared to last year.

The Board of Finance will host a public hearing for municipal and education spending plans Thursday, May 14, at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.

Latest News

Racecars roar in NASCAR’s return to Lime Rock Park

High-speed action made for a weekend of excitement at Lime Rock Park Friday and Saturday, June 27-28.

Photo by Simon Markow

LAKEVILLE — For the first time since 2011, Lime Rock Park hosted National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing events June 27 and 28.

It was billed as the largest event in modern track history with an estimated 20,000 fans attending.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joseph Robert Meehan

SALISBURY — Joseph Robert Meehan the 2nd,photographer, college professor and nearly 50 year resident of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at Noble Horizon on June 17, 2025. He was 83.

He was the son of Joseph Meehan the 1st and his mother, Anna Burawa of Levittown, New York, and sister Joanne, of Montgomery, New York.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Olive Zutter Murphy

STANFORDVILLE, New York — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Olive Zutter Murphy, who went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2025, at the age of 99.

She was born in Sharon, Connecticut on Nov. 20, 1925, and was a long time resident of the Dutchess County area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chore Service hosts annual garden party fundraiser

Chore Service hosted 250 supporters at it’s annual Garden Party fundraiser.

Bob Ellwood

On Saturday, June 21, Mort Klaus, longtime Sharon resident, hosted 250 enthusiastic supporters of Northwest Corner’s beloved nonprofit, Chore Service at his stunning 175-acre property. Chore Service provides essential non-medical support to help older adults and those with disabilities maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes.

Jane MacLaren, Executive Director, and Dolores Perotti, Board President, personally welcomed arriving attendees. The well-stocked bar and enticing hors d’oeuvres table were popular destinations as the crowd waited for the afternoon’s presentations.

Keep ReadingShow less