Brookfield First Selectman Vows to Fix Town's Fiscal Plight

Faced with a $3.3 million hole in its budget, Brookfield officials are taking steps to correct the error, and First Selectman Stephen Dunn is vowing the matter will be completely corrected.

In a letter to residents this week, Dunn spelled out what the town is doing to fix the problem and ensure that it never happens again.

Additionally, Dunn released statements on the town's website about the fund balance, and a previous request to the Federal Bureau of Investigation to consider a review of the matter.

"Let me state this first and very directly; we are going to take the steps needed to get our financial statements right, work to restore our general fund balance (which is critical to retaining our ability to borrow at the lowest rates) and work hard to eliminate the possibility of fraud or malfeasance occurring," Dunn wrote. "We are taking a multi-pronged approach on this by asking the Board of Selectmen to appoint, and the Board of Finance to approve, funding the hiring of specialists to investigate the town's books with a goal of understanding exactly why we have a large difference in our fund balance and how to prevent this in the future."

One step the town is taking, which Dunn did not discuss in the letter, is advertising for a new Town Controller to replace William Leverence. Not happy with the decision to be replaced, Leverence has promised a legal challenge.

Dunn continued, "At the same time we will be working with our consultant, BlumShapiro, to formulate new policies and operating procedures that will help ensure that the town never gets into this situation again. One of BlumShapiro's recommendations that we are moving forward on, even before seeing their final report due at the end of March, is proposing in the new budget the hiring of a purchasing agent that will work for both the town and the school system. This individual will be charged with ensuring that every penny the town spends is spent wisely and economically. We believe this new purchasing agent will allow us to eliminate waste, cut costs and identify and establish relationships with vendors that will provide high quality products and services at substantial savings. With a combined town and school budget of over $60 million, it is time to bring in an expert to help the town manage what it buys."