New Fairfield officials say the study of a natural resource is on hold because of the Candlewood Lake Authority. 

At the New Fairfield Board of Selectmen's most recent meeting, member John Hodge said that more than two weeks into the fiscal year, the Candlewood Lake Authority had not created or approved a budget for the year.  He reminded others on the Board that the five towns surrounding the lake decided to hire a scientist to study the status of the body of water.  

While a request for proposals has been put out, a scientist has not been hired yet. 

First Selectman Susan Chapman sent a letter to the Lake Authority saying they have an invoice, but haven't acted on it yet and want to once a budget is created.  She says they need to know how much money will be budgeted for the lake scientist.