Summary

Finance Committee (Ledyard) — March 4, 2026: federal grant for dispatch system approved; veterans tax-exemption discussed, no action taken

LedyardMar 4, 20264 min read

At a glance

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The Finance Committee (Councilors Buhle, Garcia‑Irizarry, Ryan) met in hybrid format. The committee approved prior minutes, received the Finance Director’s reports, recommended acceptance of a federal COPS grant to replace the dispatch CAD/RMS system (up to $229,000 appropriation to be reimbursed), approved a bid waiver for commercial laundry equipment for turnout gear, and authorized overspending the Town Attorney account through June 30, 2026. Extensive public comment and committee discussion addressed possible modifications to Public Act 24‑46 (veterans 100% disabled property tax exemption); no ordinance or cap was adopted at this meeting. Several agenda items (opioid settlement uses, school grant reimbursement, scheduling joint finance meetings, and other grant opportunities) were continued.

Committees mentioned

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Finance Committee

Topics discussed

Budget & TaxPublic SafetyEducationHealthcare

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Key decisions

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Approved Finance Committee minutes for Feb. 4, 2026 regular meeting and Feb. 4, 2026 special joint Town Council/Board of Education meeting (vote: 3-0).
Recommended for approval: authorize the Mayor to submit and accept COPS Law Enforcement Technology & Equipment funding and appropriate $229,000 to account 21020103-57300-G0017 for replacement of the Ledyard Dispatch CAD/RMS system (up-front capital to be reimbursed by federal grant) (vote: 3-0).
Recommended for approval: bid waiver to Daniels Equipment Co., Inc. for purchase of commercial laundry equipment/services (turnout-gear dryer) for the Fire Department (vote: 3-0).
Recommended for approval: authorize overspending Account #10110205-53615 (Town Attorney) through June 30, 2026 to cover anticipated legal costs (vote: 3-0).
Discussed: potential modifications to Public Act 24-46 (100% property tax exemption for veterans with service-connected permanent and total disability). Committee received public testimony, reviewed Tax Assessor data (108 approved applicants), and did not adopt changes at this meeting; members agreed to await State action on Raised House Bill #5407 before taking further action.

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