Advisory & Finance Committee Meeting — June 24, 2026

The Swansea Advisory and Finance Committee met on June 24, 2026, welcoming three new members and conducting organizational business ahead of the upcoming fiscal year. After approving the minutes of May 18, 2026, the committee heard from Interim Town Administrator John Hanson regarding an end-of-year transfer of $60,500 to cover legal fees. Hanson explained that unforeseen legal and litigation matters had arisen over the prior two months, pushing total legal expenses $105,000 over the original $155,000 fiscal year 2026 budget. The committee unanimously approved funding the transfer using surplus balances from Board of Health other salaries ($5,000), building department salaries ($31,500), and Council on Aging salaries ($24,000).

The committee also unanimously approved a minor end-of-year transfer of $5.25 from sewer collection to treasurer-collector clerical salaries to resolve a minor deficit. Following budget actions, the committee held its annual reorganization, unanimously re-electing the existing slate of officers: Robert Alford II as chair, Sarah Carlson as vice chair, and Mark Brooks as clerk.

In general discussion, members reviewed the status of the proposed new junior high school building project and the upcoming fall town meeting schedule. Committee liaisons to the school building committee noted that cost reconciliation and presentations were ongoing, encouraging members to review public informational sessions before advisory recommendations are formulated in the fall.

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