January 5, 2026
Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Margaret Chapple, Kimberly Becker, Frederick Moffa and Student Liaison Zainab Zafar. Also present: Town Manager Mike Walsh, Town Clerk Jen Espinal, Director of Finance Kimi Cheng, Management Assistant Betsy Mazzota.
Granby Ambulance Association
Granby Ambulance provides life-saving services across Granby, East Granby and East Hartland, responding to approximately 1,900 calls annually, with 2024 as its busiest year. The operations and financial report outlined rising operational and capital costs, including the high cost of ambulances and medical equipment, and highlighted the financial strain from low Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates. While the GAA maintains a stable annual operating revenue of roughly $1 to $1.1 million, revenues do not fully cover operating and capital needs, resulting in annual losses that have been offset through endowment use.
The town’s current $20,000 annual contribution is insufficient, and an increase to $80,000 was recommended to stabilize operations and preserve endowment funds for capital replacement.
The report also included recommendations to separate operating and capital funding, improve revenue collection wherever possible and update the operating agreement to support long-term financial sustainability.
Public Session
Robert Flanigan, 24 Woodcliff Drive, raised concerns about the proposed bond for sewer pump station improvements, questioning cost estimates associated with pump station components, particularly valves. He suggested sewer funds may be sufficient to cover needed repairs without bonding. He also commented on senior tax relief, advocating for property tax breaks for retirees.
Maureen Eberly, 37 Silkey Road, suggested the board authorize additional analysis of current senior tax relief programs, to expand tax relief options. She emphasized that policies should better reflect the demographics and financial realities of local seniors.
Beth Carroll, 10 Quail Lane, advocated for equitable tax for retirees, emphasizing that long term residents without children have contributed significantly to the town’s school system through property taxes, and suggested alternatives should be explored.
Bill Glueck, 18 Barkhamsted Road and president of the Granby Taxpayers’ Alliance, spoke of two major budget items: the pump station project and the library expansion project. He requested the town obtain designs, estimates and plans before taxpayer funding is approved.
Fiorentino addressed the public comments, clarifying and correcting inaccuracies. The pump station project estimates have been shared publicly on multiple occasions. The library project has been presented with floor plans and cost estimates, while detailed architectural bids will only be obtained after voter approval. The sewer fund balance is regularly reported, and forward planning is needed due to the aging infrastructure.