A $4 million COVID-19-related surplus has been recorded in New Milford. Finance Director Greg Ospitow told the Town Council at their meeting this week that the money is in addition to the $1.5 or $2 million the schools are expecting.
The numbers are still fluid and need to be approved in the final audit. Ospitow says the surplus can not be used for operating expenses like salaries, but can be put toward capital items.
Mayor Pete Bass says the high school roof project is the first priority. The roof has been patched up since the 2018 macroburst. A standing seam will replace the roof, giving it another 50 year lifespan before needing to be replaced. That will cost $4.3 million . New Milford residents previously approve $1.2 million in borrowing. In order to get the maximum state reimbursement, Bass says the town will apply for funding in December.
The COVID-related surplus will also be used to repair the town hall roof. $500,000 will be used for road work, $125,000 for IT infrastructure and improvements, and $80,000 to repair the high school tennis courts. The school surplus will be put toward new band uniforms and replacing athletic equipment and uniforms. A student enrollment study will also be funded.
A police scuba boat and an excavator, grappler and fleet car for the public works department were also approved.
