Town Council Tackles Budgets, Policing, and State Funding at February 11 Meeting
Farmington’s Town Council met on February 11, 2025, for a meeting that balanced ceremonial honors, serious financial discussions, and state policy debates. A packed agenda featured updates on police leadership, special education funding, and an upcoming opioid addiction recovery program.
A New Police Chief and an Officer Honored
The meeting opened with recognition of Officer Jose Santiago, who was named Police Officer of the Year by the Exchange Club of Farmington. Santiago was praised for his professionalism, compassion, and dedication to the community, particularly in his role in apprehending an armed homicide suspect last year. The Connecticut General Assembly issued an official citation recognizing his contributions.
Town Manager Kathy Blonsky read from the official commendation: “Officer Santiago demonstrates a strong commitment to serving the community, earning frequent praise from citizens for his professionalism, kindness, and compassion.”
In leadership news, Acting Chief Tim McKenzie was formally introduced. McKenzie, a veteran of the Farmington Police Department since 1999, steps in following the retirement of Chief Colin Ryan. He pledged to continue the department’s high standards of service and public safety.
“It is a privilege to lead them in service to a town that I deeply respect and care about,” McKenzie told the council. “I recognize the responsibility that comes with this position, and I am committed to working collaboratively with town leadership, our residents, and my colleagues to ensure we continue providing the highest level of public safety.”
State Legislators Give Budget Updates: Is Farmington a “Victim of Its Own Success”?
Representatives Mike D’Amico and Rebecca Martinez briefed the council on Governor Ned Lamont’s budget proposal, which includes a significant $2 million increase in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funds for Farmington. The town’s share is expected to jump from $1.76 million to $3.71 million.
However, D’Amico cautioned against celebrating too early, noting, “It’s February. June is a long way off. Whatever you read in the newspaper or hear on social media, just remember, a lot changes from February to June.”
He also pointed out that Farmington’s strong education system has made it a destination for families seeking special education services, putting financial pressure on the town.
“Farmington residents are a victim of their own success,” D’Amico said. “When you have great schools, families move here for the services, and that drives up costs.”
Opioid Settlement Funds to Launch a Regional Addiction Recovery Program
Farmington is partnering with neighboring towns to create the CLEAR Program, a regional initiative aimed at supporting individuals struggling with opioid addiction. The town will allocate $62,000 from its opioid settlement funds for the program’s first year.
Nancy Perrin, Farmington’s Director of Community Services, explained: “One of the leading successes to providing addiction treatment is being there immediately. If individuals have to wait for available services, their willingness to seek help can disappear.”
The program, run by McCall Behavioral Health Network, will embed addiction recovery specialists within the community and collaborate with the police department and social services to ensure immediate intervention.
Council members acknowledged the need for such a program, with Councilman Dave Wieckowski stating: “We have an unfortunate but very real need for this service. It’s about getting help to people before it’s too late.”
Paid Sick Leave Debate: Unions vs. Municipalities
The new state-mandated paid sick leave law sparked concerns among town leaders. Town Manager Kathy Blonsky raised alarms about its impact on police scheduling and collective bargaining agreements.
“We offer tremendous benefits to all our employees—this is not about denying anyone leave,” Blonsky said. “But when you allow people to take leave in one-hour increments with no documentation, it becomes nearly impossible to manage shifts.”
While legislators defended the law’s intent—to protect workers and ensure they aren’t penalized for taking sick days—Councilman Keith Jones worried about potential abuse and financial impact. “If we’re forced to backfill shifts last minute, the overtime costs could be substantial,” he said.
Energy Costs, Rainy Day Funds, and What Happens If Federal Money Dries Up
Council members grilled legislators on Connecticut’s rising electricity rates, the potential rollback of federal funding for schools and food assistance programs, and the governor’s plan to loosen state fiscal guardrails.
D’Amico defended the adjustments, stating: “We’ve been able to count on a steady stream of income for the last several years. It’s time to revisit the volatility cap to allow for funding of programs that have been starving for years.”
On electricity costs, Martinez emphasized the complexity of the issue: “There’s no easy fix. We are pushing for more oversight, but past decisions—like the Millstone agreement—have long-term impacts.”
Nonprofits Seek Increased Town Funding
Hope Partners of Farmington, formerly known as Services for the Elderly of Farmington, made a plea for an increase in town funding.
Board member Dean De Latch told the council: “We delivered 6,798 Meals on Wheels last year. The demand is growing, and we need help to continue serving Farmington’s seniors.”
Next Steps: Budget Season Begins
With the town budget process kicking off in March, council members encouraged residents to stay engaged and provide input. Several large funding decisions, including education spending and nonprofit support, will shape Farmington’s financial future in the coming months.
Jack Beckett
Senior Writer, The Farmington Mercury
Powered by coffee, skepticism, and a deeply unhealthy fascination with municipal finance.
