Sharon BOF receives budget proposals

SHARON — The Board of Selectmen and Board of Education presented their proposed 2025/2026 budgets to the Board of Finance at its March 18 regular meeting.

Municipal spending in Sharon is up to $5,267,193, an increase of $295,986, or 5.95%, from last year.

First Selectman Casey Flanagan went through the town’s spending plan line by line, noting areas of significant increase, such as a $104,388, or 5.83%, growth in highway spending and a $65,900, or 50.69%, rise in ambulance funds. There were several wage adjustments for town employees, alongside a 4% cost-of-living adjustment for all employees except the unionized Road Crew workers.

Sharon Center School Principal Carol Tomkalski reviewed the BOE’s proposal for fiscal year 2025-26.

The total proposed budget for Sharon Central School is $4,234,490, which is down $93,899, or 2.17%, from last year’s budget.

Region One’s assessment for Sharon in 2025-26 totals $1,923,842, an increase of $166,797 from 2024-2025, or 9.49%, which was the highest change of any member town.

Combined educational spending comes to $6,133,980, which marks a $68,979, or 1.14%, increase from 2024-2025.

Region One Superintendent of Schools Melony Brady-Shanley remarked that the budget was poised to deliver quality education.

The BOF set a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on April 1 to go over the proposed budgets and potentially take action.

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