Norwich has nearly $150,000 in surplus cash. How will the city spend it?

NORWICH – While the Norwich City Council is still working on both the budget and how to spend American Rescue Plan funds, the city found a way to do some much needed maintenance. 

The city is able to pay for nearly $147,500 in City Hall roof repairs, ahead of anticipated material price increases, entirely from surplus from prior expenses plus $100,000 for Dodd Stadium improvements in 2020 that were never used.

Many parts of the over 150-year-old city hall, including the City Council chambers, have seen leaks from the flat roof over the years, and many, including Comptroller Josh Pothier, say the roof repair is needed.

“If funding is needed at some point in time for Dodd Stadium, we can afford to put it in a later capital budget,” Pothier said.

Norwich budget updates

In budget matters, there has been a slight general fund mill rate reduction of .02 mills since City Council last reviewed the budget this month.

This mill rate reduction is due to the state motor vehicle cap changing to 32.46 mills, reducing the amount of the revenue sharing grant that offsets motor vehicle taxes, leading to a net increase in revenue for the city, Pothier said Monday.

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Pothier said there was a $10,000 increase in the cost of animal control services, however, reflecting a rise in the per-capita rate and an increase in the population.

American Rescue Plan Act spending

There were also changes to the city’s American Rescue Plan allocations from the last time City Council looked them over.

One was cutting funds for hiring a Community Engagement Coordinator for the Recreation Department. Eliminating the role freed up $176,000 in American Rescue Plan funds, $50,000 of which were repurposed to hire professional services for the Plan of Conservation and Development update process, which was moved from the budget itself.

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Alderman Derell Wilson said the city needs to think about how positions are paid for beyond the lifespan of the American Rescue Plan Act funding.

“This is something that, even once these funds are gone, we still need that Community Engagement (position) as a city,” Wilson said.

A $100,000 increase from Rescue Plan funding was made for the Recreation Department’s summer camp scholarships, repurposed from funds to use schools as community centers.

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“It’s a fantastic way to enhance the activities that we offer to children living in the city of Norwich, and give a chance for some of them to go to camp that haven’t,” Alderwoman Stacy Gould said. “$100,000 well spent for the youth of our city.”

The summer camp scholarship program is currently open. More information is on the Recreation Department’s website, and families have until June 1 to apply.

The city budget is expected to be finalized at the next City Council meeting June 6, but American Rescue Plan Act Funds have until 2024 to be fully committed.