Finance Committee (Ledyard) — March 4, 2026: federal grant for dispatch system approved; veterans tax-exemption discussed, no action taken
At a glance
Quick context to catch up fast.
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
Open the committee coverage hubs tied to this summary.
Topics discussed
Was this summary helpful?
Your feedback helps us prioritize what to improve next.
Key decisions
Follow the major takeaways from this briefing.
- 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.
Timeline & follow-ups
Action items flagged by the community.
No follow-ups have been shared yet. Add one in the community board below.
Meeting information
Details and records from this meeting.
Finance Committee
Regular Meeting
Agenda
- In -Person: Council Chambers, Town Hall Annex Building Remote Participation: Information Noted Below:
- Join Zoom Meeting from your Computer, Smart Phone or Tablet: https://ledyardct.zoom.us/j/89420202883?pwd=qhpFbeQfTaf0bwlg1x6IJgQaJ12ZWp.1 by Audio Only: Telephone: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 894 2020 2883; Passcode: 441654
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
- RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS
- PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- OLD BUSINESS
- Discussion regarding potential uses for the funding received from the National Opioid Settlement Payments.
- Continued discussion regarding upcoming potential Grant Opportunities.
- Discussion scheduling Regular Quarterly Joint Finance Committee Meetings between the Town Council and Board of Education.
- Finance Director’s Report - Fiscal Year 2025-2026
- Financial Reports - Fiscal Year 2025-2026
- Any Old Business proper to come before the Committee.
- NEW BUSINESS
- MOTION to authorize the Mayor to submit a COPS Law Enforcement Technology and Equipment Grant in the amount of up-to $240,000 through the Congressionally Directed Spending initiative, to replace the Ledyard Dispatch Emergency Communications CAD/RMS System.
- MOTION to approve the Finance Committee Minutes as follows: · Regular Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2026 · Special Joint Town Council Board of Education Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2026
- Discussion regarding Public Act 24-46 “An Act Establishing a Property Tax Exemption for Veterans Who Have a Service-Connected Permanent and Total Disability Rating” relative to modifications to the Program.
- Any New Business proper to come before the Committee
- ADJOURNMENT
- DISCLAIMER: Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the Town.
- MOTION to approve a bid waiver to Daniels Equipment Co, Inc of Auburn NH for the purchase of commercial laundry equipment and services.
- MOTION to authorize overspending Account #10110205-53615 (Town Attorney) through June 30, 2026.
- Agenda Item
- Discussion regarding Public Act 24-46 “An Act Establishing a Property Tax Exemption for Veterans Who Have a Service-Connected Permanent and Total Disability Rating” relative to modifications to the Program.
Recent documents
Fresh records from this municipality.
Civic leadership
Know who to contact about the decisions that matter.