The Municipal Election is November 4th when New Britain voters will go to the polls to elect the Mayor, City Treasurer, alderpersons for Common Council, Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeal and Constable. Early voting begins October 20 and runs through November 2.
NEW BRITAIN – Alderman John McNamara (D-4) will host a Ward 4 Coffee Hour from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 18th, at the The Garage Dance Studio & Coffee Lounge, 1385 East Street.
“The coffee hour is an opportunity for residents to share concerns and hear updates on local and state issues before the November 4th election,” said McNamara who is seeking a second term representing District 12, 13 and 14 on the Common Council.
Alderman McNamara has previously held four constituent meetings in Ward 4 during the current term addressing flooding, traffic and public safety, education and city budget issues. The ward encompasses the Belvidere neighborhood near Central Connecticut State University, streets between Farmington Avenue and Stanley Street and the Brittany Farms neighborhood on the West Hartford border.
Participating in the coffee hour will be State Representative David DeFronzo (D-26) whose assembly district encompasses all of Ward 4.
The Municipal Election is November 4th when New Britain voters will go to the polls to elect the Mayor, City Treasurer, alderpersons for Common Council, Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeal and Constable. Early voting begins October 20 and runs through November 2.
Connecticut’s Service Employees International Union (CSEA-SEIU, Local 2001) has endorsed Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara (D-4) in his bid for re-election to a second term on the New Britain Common Council.
CSEA SEIU Local 2001 is a union representing 25,000 Connecticut state, municipal and private employees and retirees and is part of the Service Employees International Union.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement from a union that represents employees providing critical public services for the health, education and safety of residents in New Britain and across the state,” said McNamara.
McNamara received the endorsement of the labor organization after sharing his priorities for the city, including affordable housing and fair taxes, neighborhood flood relief, equitable funding for schools and safer streets.
McNamara is serving his first term on the Common Council and is the Council’s majority leader. A former Democratic Town Chairperson, he was previously elected to the Board of Assessment Appeals and chaired the city Building Commission.
McNamara worked as Institutional advancement director at Capital Community College (now known as CT State Capital) for 22 years before retiring in early 2022. At Capital, McNamara was elected to the Congress of CT Community Colleges (4Cs) SEIU Local 1973 Delegate Assembly representing faculty and staff on the campus.
New Britain’s Ward 4 is the area that includes the neighborhoods near Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) spreading north and west to Brittany Farms and Batterson Park.
NEW BRITAIN – Common Council Democrats are questioning the use of $470,000 to fund construction of pickle ball courts at A.W. Stanley Park in a budget transfer resolution to be considered at the September 24th regular meeting of the Common Council.
Common Council Democrats Update
The resolution proposes to transfer accrued revenues from the 2024-2025 fiscal year to the current budget to fund projects and purchases not covered in the current year budget totaling $5,858,459. Funding for pickle ball courts is one of nine proposed expenditures as well as the transfer of funds to “fix deficits” and align revenues and expenditures on the city’s ledger before an independent audit for the year ending June 30,2025 begins.
“We welcome the availability of unaudited fund balances from the last fiscal year to allocate funds for the Board of Education, tax stabilization and needed capital improvements,” Council President Francisco Santiago (D-5), Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (D-3) and Majority Leader John McNamara (D-4) said in a joint statement. “The city, however, should use these general fund dollars to meet more urgent priorities other than the addition of more pickle ball courts at this time.”
Earlier this year the city administration sought $150,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the A.W. Stanley Pickle Ball Court Project in a request that also proposed use of $300,000 from the A.W. Stanley Trust Fund at an estimated cost of $450,000. The plan would construct four pickle ball courts and a tennis court at the park that currently provides swimming pools, little league fields, a playground, walking trails and a fishing pond. The Common Council, however, allocated funds to other capital improvement projects as part of the annual plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Democratic Council leaders said alternatives should be considered for using the $470,000 “that meet compelling needs in the community to prevent evictions, reduce food insecurity and improve streets and infrastructure in our neighborhoods.”
“Now we are facing federal funding cuts and harmful policies from Donald Trump and the Republican Congress. Grants for community health and immunization programs have been jeopardized, Nearly $1.5 million in federal education funds were held up creating uncertainty before the school year began. An estimated 7,000 New Britain residents will lose Medicaid benefits once the Republican “big, beautiful bill” that slashes the social safety net and cuts taxes for billionaires takes effect,” the Democratic caucus statement said.
“Spending with our limited resources should go to essential services and investments that directly improve the health and well-being of residents,” said Alderwoman Wilma Barbosa (D-2), who serves on the Council’s Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services Committee.
The Common Council meeting will be held at New Britain City Hall, 27 West Main Street on Wednesday, September 24th. Public participation begins at 7 p.m.
The McNamara 4 Council Committee is sponsoring the event for Alderman John McNamara, the Council Majority Leader, who has been endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee and is seeking a second, two-year term.
A complimentary assortment of Roma pizzas and wings will be served. Updates on issues of importance to Ward 4 will be shared including stormwater/sewage improvements, the traffic safety action plan and education funding.
Ward 4 Democrats’ Pizza on the Patio, at the Roma, Monday July 28th, 6-8 p.m.
In accepting the Democratic Party’s endorsement and thanking the membership McNamara said, “Council Democrats have sought to restore checks and balances to City Hall with more transparency in budgeting and to be more responsive to neighborhood needs that include safety on our streets, addressing critical infrastructure improvements and reducing regressive taxes.”
“Democrats this year supported a mill rate decrease after two years of record tax increases,” McNamara said. “But our efforts to reduce City Hall administrative costs, increase a fund for services to prevent evictions, give the public schools more in direct operating support and provide additional funds for the public library were vetoed. The work is far from over. I am confident more progress can be made by electing a Democratic Mayor and a strong Democratic majority on the Council.” Donations of $25 will be appreciated at the Pizza on the Patio event. The maximum individual contribution is $250. To volunteer or for more information call: 860-416-0665 Email: mcnamara4council@gmail.com.
Paid for by McNamara 4 Council Committee. Michael McNamara, Treasurer. Approved by John McNamara
Amendment reduces tax rate and shifts funds to schools, the library and homeless prevention
A 2026 municipal general fund budget supported by Common Council Democrats that reduces the property tax rate and increases operational funds for schools, the library and homeless prevention was approved at the May 28th meeting.
On June 7th Mayor Stewart vetoed the Democratic amendment approved on an eight to seven party line vote. It will require 10 votes on the 15-member Council to override a Mayoral veto.
The Democratic majority caucus and the Stewart administration agreed on a $273,493,952 million budget and a .41 cut to the mill rate (39.18 mills) for the fiscal year that begins July 1, but the mayor opposed additional operating funds for education, the library and a prevention fund for the unhoused.
New Britain City Hall, West Main Street
By waiting until June 7th, the mayor pocket vetoed the amended budget without a Council discussion or vote to override.
Statement from the Majority Caucus
“Our constituents want to see strong schools, access to literacy, and support for vulnerable residents. We delivered a budget that meets those needs without raising taxes.
“The amendment to the mayor’s budget included responsible reallocations from unfilled administrative positions and discretionary lines. No jobs were cut that would impact essential services. No union contracts were violated.
“The amendment supported a mill rate reduction of .41 after two years of major tax increases. It provided a $1.1 million increase to the schools’ operating fund instead of withholding funding until the end of the year, providing more stability for the education budget. From reallocations and without new spending the public library receives $175,443 addressing its rapid growth and services for students, seniors and families. A $20,000 allocation funds unhoused prevention services that can help keep vulnerable residents in their homes.
“Contrary to the veto message, the amendment did not touch the city’s rainy-day fund (unassigned fund balance) of $25.1 million. The Democratic caucus, in fact supported adding to the rainy-day fund and creating a tax stabilization fund in the current term.
“It is unfortunate that the mayor’s veto included personal attacks and unfounded accusations that are inappropriate in doing the city’s business. The Council amendment addressing community needs passed after weeks of review and discussion. The Democratic caucus is ready for collaboration and good faith negotiation on issues that matter to residents.
The Democratic caucus includes President Pro Tem Francisco Santiago (5), Majority Leader John McNamara (4), Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (3). Nate Simpson (1), Wilma Barbosa (2), Lori McAdam (2), Candyce Scott (3), Neil Connors (4).
Individuals seeking to join the public hearing and speak remotely may do so by calling 1 (339) 209-6176. Members of the public not attending in person may view the broadcast via the livestream link: https://www.newbritainct.gov/meetings
“The public hearing is an important part of the process for residents to share their concerns, ideas and priorities about how the city will maintain services within the limits of anticipated revenues for the year that starts on July 1,” said Council President Francisco Santiago (D-5).
“The Democratic caucus seeks to ensure the final budget delivers fair allocations for essential services and education and considers tax relief for seniors and limited income households,” said Alderman John McNamara (D-4), the Council Majority Leader.
“Our goal is a balanced budget that prioritizes essential services and addresses neighborhood needs. Hearing from residents at the public hearing will help us over the next five weeks,” said Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (D-3). The deadline for the Council to adopt a budget is June 4.
Following the April 29th public hearing the budget will go to Common Council committees where alderpersons will hear presentations and ask questions. On the schedule are the Planning, Zoning & Housing (PZH) Committee,, Tuesday, May 6th; the Administration, Finance, Law & Public Services Committee (AFLPS), Wednesday, May 7th, and a AFLPS special meeting with the Board of Education on Thursday, May 8th. All budget meetings begin at 6 p.m. The Common Council will review the mayor’s fiscal plan and adopt the final capital and operating budgets by June deadline.
Democratic Caucus – New BritainCommon Council Update
At an April 9th special meeting the Mayor sent a $273,493,952 proposal to the Council. It represents a $3,961,219 increase in spending over the current fiscal year and sets a 39.18 mill rate on real estate and personal property, a .41 of a mill reduction over the current 39.59 rate. The proposed decrease follows higher tax bills in the two previous years. The 2024 property tax yield jumped $15,835,516 and was 12.58 percent more than 2023 after revaluation sent property assessments soaring. The higher values caused a drop in the mill rate from 49.50 to 38.28 but resulted in the highest tax bills in memory for single and multi family dwellings. Over two years current taxes are up $20,598,252 (16%) after the mill rate increased last year to 39.59. One mill rate now represents $3,425.361.
The Mayor’s budget calls for modest increases to most city departments. It continues to hold the appropriation for the Board of Education to $128 million, the same amount as 2024-2025. An additional $2,,646,191 is included in a “non-operating” budget line for education that the BOE must request once the fiscal year begins after July. The Board of Finance and Taxation reduced the BOE’s proposed 11 percent increased budget of $142,612,481 by $12,052,481 and Mayor Stewart cut another $2,560,000 to $128,000,000 in direct appropriations. When non-operating funds are added next year local school aid will total $131,251,665, $1,183,626 more than 2025.
Aside from Board of Education costs, employee benefits ($31,403,152) and payments for the city’s debt ($26,053,783) are the highest estimated expenses.
On the revenue side the Mayor’s budget estimates $145,420,396 will be raised via property taxes, $72,360,710 from state Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) and $24,813,085 in other state grants. The Administration expects $22,749,761 in non-tax revenue, a $5,427,517 increase over the current year. Final amounts for state grants and ECS will be determined by the Governor and State Legislature in the coming weeks and are expected to bring an increase in support from the state for special education and additional funding the city receives as an Alliance District. State and federal aid funds account for well over half of overall spending for schools. New Britain currently ranks 160th out of 165 districts in the amount of local funding for education at $16,814 per pupil. The state’s median is $21,676.
Resolution Increases Tenant Access To Fair Rent Commission
The Common Council amended the city’s Fair Rent Commission procedures at the April 23rd meeting to allow more tenants to file complaints if their rent increases are deemed excessive by the FRC.
In a resolution sponsored by Aldermen Neil Connors (D-4) and Jarrell Hargraves (R-2) and adopted unanimously, the city’s FRC ordinance makes one change for tenants to be able to seek relief. The revision allows tenants who have been served a notice to quit but not a summary eviction by their landlord access to the FRC complaint process.
Under the current ordinance adopted by the city in 2012 the FRC was unable to accept excessive rent complaints if landlords have already “begun the eviction process”, including notices to quit and before a summary process begins. The new language states tenants are ineligible when landlords “have already begun a summary process eviction against a tenant for nonpayment of rent.” The ordinance also prohibits tenants from filing complaints “if they owe back rent” or “have already signed leases agreeing to the requested rent.”
The nine-member FRC consists of three tenants, three landlords and three property owners and has authority to reduce rent increases to ensure that the amounts “are not harsh and unconscionable.” If mediation fails the commission conducts hearings and receives complaints from eligible tenants.
Fair Rent Commission: How To File A Complaint Contact Jerrell Hargraves, 27 West Main Street 06051 Tel: (860) 826-3410 | Email: jerrell.hargraves@newbritainct.gov
Audit Committee To Review Finances And Audit Proposals
The Audit Subcommittee of the Common Council will discuss the annual audit and state and federal single audit reports for the year ending June 30, 2024 at an April 30th 6 p.m. meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall.
The independent audit was completed on March 31st three months after the December 31, 2024 deadline. Its delivery came sooner than the audits for 2023 and 2022 that were six months or more late. Auditors in prior years cited weaknesses and a noncompliance issue to explain delays. The audit for fiscal year 2024 reports several problems have been addressed and a compliance issue has been resolved. The latest audit cites one deficiency in financial reporting that recommends “the city develop a formal financial close process to ensure each fund’s year-end balances are analyzed timely and corrected appropriately.” The finding stems from “a shortage in staffing within the finance department to review balances.”
Financial highlights from the last fiscal year according to CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) include:
the net position of governmental activities increased by $12.1 million,
In governmental activities , the city had revenues of $462.3 million and expenses of $452.1 million.
The net position of business-type activities increased $842,000. Revenues were $15.8 million while expenses were $13.1 million.
The General Fund reported a fund balance of $34.9 million of which $9.9 million was assigned and $25 million unassigned.
The tax collection rate for the current levy was 96.31%
On May 1 the audit subcommittee will also review proposals for auditing services over the next three years for approval by the Common Council.
Common Council leaders from New Britain’s Wards Four and Five will hold a constituent meeting on Saturday, January 25th, with the city’s state legislators to discuss municipal and state issues. The meeting will be held at Spottswood A.M.E. Church, 25 Crestwood Lane from 10 a.m. to noon.
Common Council Majority Leader John McNamara (D-4) and Council President Pro Tem Francisco Santiago (D-5) will host the meeting and will be joined by Alderman Neil Connors (D-4), newly-elected State Rep. David DeFronzo (D-26), State Representative Manny Sanchez (D-24) and State Senator Rick Lopes (D-6). Wards four and five includes the 26th and 24th state House districts in the city.
“Meeting regularly in the ward is a good way to get feedback from citizens on issues that city government can help address,” said McNamara. The meeting is open to all city residents.
Updates will be provided on a new rapid response program and other initiatives to address stormwater flooding issues in neighborhoods, current efforts to reduce speeding and prevent accidents, plans to re-open the Batterson Park recreation area and the start of the municipal budgeting process for the next fiscal year.
The Common Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month with public participation beginning at 7 p.m. For more information contact Alderman John McNamara, john.mcnamara@newbritainct.gov
City Starts ‘Courtesy’ Response Service; Homeowner Flood Relief Is On Council Agenda
By John McNamara
More New Britain property owners are seeking compensation from the city for property damage caused by storm water flooding and sewage overflows, according to caseloads recorded by the city’s Corporation Counsel in recent years.
The Corporation Counsel “handles claims and lawsuits filed against the City of New Britain” including personal injury, workers’ compensation and property damages. Over four years (2020-2023) 168 claims were filed for various damages and personal injuries. In 2020 (4) and 2021 (5) property owners brought nine sewer/flooding claims. In 2022, seven were recorded. Through 2022 less than 15 percent of cases involved sewer and flooding problems. In 2023, however, the sewer back-up cases increased to 26 accounting for 41 percent of 2023 cases. Over the four years $179,503 claims have been approved involving 15 property owners “as the result of flooding” based on data from the Corporation Counsel.
The increase in claims stems from frequent and intense storms that have overwhelmed the city’s aging stormwater and sewage system in vulnerable neighborhoods. The outmoded storm water-sewage system has caused problems for decades, with homeowners incurring out of pocket expenses and loss of insurance since the 1990s.
City Hall Update
Through the FLUSH program (Fresh Line For Upgrades for Sanitary Health) and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) the city’s Department of Public Works has identified projects over the last decade that will replace lead pipes and aging and broken infrastructure to reduce the risk to residences and neighborhoods. These projects require more investments from local, state and federal sources to be completed. Over decades, however, the city has pushed bonding for sewage projects down the road, preferring to wait for federal grants and using municipal borrowing for other purposes.
Since the summer of 2023 the dramatic jump in flooding has led to a public outcry, especially from residents in the Overlook Avenue-McKinley Drive and Allen Street area near CCSU. Only in the last year, thanks to public pressure, has progress been made on capital funding for Allen and Overlook where extensive damage occurs.
“Rapid Response” Service And Neighborhood Flood Relief Initiative
Responding to the flooding damages and public pressure, the Stewart Administration via the Corporation Counsel recently rolled out a “rapid response service” as part of the FLUSH program. Described as a “courtesy” program “to promptly address sanitary sewer claims upon homeowner contact with the city” the service involves the Department of Public Works (DPW) determining if city sewer mains cause back-ups. The homeowner will then be offered restoration services from Apple Valley Servicemaster, a partner with PMA, the city’s third party risk manager and insurance underwriter for liability claims.
According to a DPW official, homeowners must contact the city as soon as the back-up problems occur and, if deemed eligible, “it is highly recommended” that they use Apple Valley to mitigate the damages of flooding. The courtesy service “automatically starts the claim process if the homeowner signs on to Apple Valley Servicemaster.” Otherwise owners may seek other firms to address flooding and also retain the right to file claims to recover their out of pocket expenses. “Rapid Response” is similar to services in the cities of Stamford and West Haven, according to the Corporation Counsel.
Common Council Democrats have proposed a neighborhood flood relief initiative to “provide immediate and direct relief to homeowners whose properties are damaged by storm water and sewage when extreme weather leads to flooding and damages.”
“In lieu of capital improvements and other long-term mitigation activities,” a September resolution states, “a Neighborhood Flood Relief Pilot Program can provide immediate and direct relief to homeowners whose properties are damaged by storm water and sewage when extreme weather leads to flooding and damages.”
The neighborhood flood relief initiative will be the subject of a public hearing on Wednesday, November 6, at 6:30 p.m. before the Common Council’s Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services Committee.
The pilot program will provide a grant up to $7,500 to owner-occupied dwellings of up to 1 to 3 units on a first-come, first-served basis to reduce or eliminate the risk of repeat damage to basements, buildings and mechanical systems not covered by insurance or other sources. The flood relief initiative is meant to compliment the rapid response service which only begins when storms occur and property damage is occurring. The neighborhood flood relief proposal equips property owners with devices and services to prevent damages thereby reducing the need for new claims against the city. Modeled after a Hartford program in the capital city’s north end neighborhoods, grants would fund sump pumps, French drains, lateral replacement, window wells, basement windows, gutters, drain snaking , video camera inspections, sewer jetting, basement cleanouts, new boilers, hot water heaters, electrical components and mold remediation.
Basement flooding at a Brighton Street home near Allen Street after heavy rains in August 2024
The resolution calls for use of an estimated $500,000, which is a portion of an additional municipal aid received from the state legislature for the current fiscal year. “This initiative is a start at reducing damages to homes as the city seeks state and federal support for capital improvements to modernize the failing sewer and stormwater system,” proponents say.
The neighborhood flood relief initiative will be the subject of a public hearing on Wednesday, November 6, at 6:30 p.m. before the Common Council’s Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services Committee.
John McNamara is an alderman from Ward 4 and the Common Council Majority Leader. He has been sharing stories and writing about local government and the community on his nbpoliticus.com blog since 2006.
An infrastructure improvement plan to address longstanding stormwater and sewer main problems in the neighborhood between Allen Street and Roxbury Road near CCSU is taking shape in a cooperative effort by state legislators and the Stewart Administration.
In recent months Common Council-approved engineering work has been completed confirming that the project will require an estimated $13.903 million to be implemented. The new estimate will make Allen Street “shovel ready” contingent on full funding for one of the city’s major trouble spots for flooding that was identified decades ago. The project has been listed for years on the annual Capital Improvement Program list at an estimated $6.7 million, but no local, state or federal funding has been secured.
An intense storm on June 22nd caused flooding on Brighton Street.
At the invitation of New Britain legislators (State Reps. Manny Sanchez (D-24), Bobby Sanchez (D-25), Peter Tercyak (D-26), Gary Turco (D-27) and State Senator Rick Lopes (D-6)), the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the Legislature’s Finance and Bonding committee toured Allen Street on April 26th and agreed to consider a state bond proposal to provide up to $10 million for the project. Legislative approval in the 2025 session will send the bonding to the state bonding commission for final approval. Mayor Stewart has sent the project’s estimated cost and engineering specifications to the legislators for consideration and now guarantees matching funds of up to to $4.2 million or 30 percent of project costs from the city’s “unrestricted fund balance of enterprise funds.”
Common Council Update July 2024
In a letter to State Rep. Ron Napoli (D- Waterbury), the Co-Chair of the Bonding Committee, Stewart said the project “will include approximately 2,400 feet of full depth reconstruction of the lines on Allen Street between Oak and Stanley Street. much of the work required is due to the fact that the sections of the existing systems are over 17 feet deep and located in areas of high ledge.” The project, according to the engineering conducted by Cardinal Engineering of Meriden, will involve a major excavation up to 20 feet deep on Allen Street for replacement of pipes and infrastructure and extensive street repair of Allen Street in the project area.
The impetus for progress on addressing neighborhood flooding arose from residents in 2023 who shared the personal and financial toll repeated floodings have caused at Common Council public participation. Roxbury Road resident Frank Chase and others testified repeatedly on conditions when extreme storms hit. Similarly, residents from the Overlook-McKinley neighborhood protested and the city allocated $2 million from remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to start a project reducing the flood risk in those neighborhoods. The citywide FLUSH program, standing for Fresh Line Upgrades for Sanitary Health, is “a massive investment in repairing and replacing the city’s storm water and sanitary sewer lines, which are over 100 years old,” according to the annual comprehensive financial report (audit). FLUSH is reported in Phase 3 of 11 proposed phases and when complete is expected to cost more than $100 million.
Common Council To Review Auditor Recommendations On Municipal Finance
The city’s most recent audited financial statements will be the topic of a Common Council public hearing and an Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services (AFLPS) committee meeting on Monday July 22nd at New Britain City Hall.
Independent auditors for the year ending June 30, 2023, report three areas of concern that caused the 2022 audit to be more than one year late and the 2023 audit to be six months late. The 2023 audit was due last December 31 and was received by the Common Council on July 10th. Officials attributed the delays in both years to a “shortage in staffing within the finance department.”
The findings show “material weakness in internal control” involving bank reconciliations and the absence of formal year-end close procedures. A third finding says the city “did not comply with uniform guidance reporting requirements” because reports were not filed electronically within nine months of the fiscal year. No material weaknesses nor significant deficiencies were reported in internal controls over state funded major programs.
Alderpersons will hear from representatives of CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) and the Finance Department at the July 22nd meeting. Agenda items include the status of the Finance Department’s capacity and staffing, progress made on corrective action from the 2022 findings and a plan to strengthen internal controls and implement a financial close process based on the 2023 audit findings and recommendations.
Audit Financial Highlights For 2022 and 2023
The independent audit for fiscal year 2023 reported:
An $812,000 decrease in net position of governmental activities with net revenues of $452.3 million and expenses of $455 million. In 2022 there was a net increase was $22 million with net revenues of $416.5 million and expenses of $395.9 million.
Non-tax revenues increased by $980,000 with revenues of $14.5 million and expenses of $11.7 million. In 2022 the increase was $761,000 on revenues of $11.8 million and expenses of $10.4 million.
General Fund balances of $25.1 million including $7.1 million assigned and $17.9 million unassigned. In 2022 the General Fund balance was $24.3 million including $4.7 million assigned and $19.6 million unassigned.
Long-term debt totaled $316.1 million in bonds and notes outstanding versus $325.1 million last year, a 2.8 percent decrease. In 2022, indebtedness rose 11.1 percent over 2021’s $292.5 million.
The AFLPS Committee is expected to refer consideration of a Request for Qualifications and schedule to an audit subcommittee to begin the process of selecting an independent auditor firm for the current fiscal year. Last January the Common Council re-established the Audit subcommittee in accordance with state law that designates the Council as the “appointing authority” for the approval of “all items relating to the selection of an independent auditor.”
Common Council Meetings
The Common Council holds regular meetings once a month in July and August. The August meeting will be held Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 7 p.m. at the Council Chambers, 27 West Main Street. Public Participation begins at 7 p.m.
The Democratic Caucus is led by President Pro Tempore Francisco Santiago (D-5), Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (D-3) and Majority Leader John McNamara (D-4)