Resident Trooper Cost Increasing in Killingworth

Killingworth's Board of Selectmen approved a new two-year contract for Resident State Trooper Matthew Ward during their meeting on Monday, Mar. 28. The $105,417 contract is almost a 19 percent increase, which is due partly to Ward's step-increase, as well as a higher operational cost passed on from State Police to the town for the service, according to First Selectwoman Catherine Iino. 

When asked whether the Town has thought about combining trooper efforts with another town Iino said, “We have only one trooper, and so any cooperative arrangement would be an increase in service and expense. The current arrangement is still a really good deal for us, compared to having our own police department. We do have back-up when Matt is off duty, or when an emergency occurs and there's another state trooper closer by.  Additionally, we have had some conversations with Haddam, Durham, and Middlefield about sharing the cost of a trooper to serve as school services officer, since that position is no longer funded by the state.”

Also discussed at the meeting was the snow removal budget from this past winter.  Since Middlesex County's appeal has now been rejected for a disaster declaration, the town needs to request additional funds to cover the overages from the harsh winter storms.  The town is currently $35,865.77 over budget for snow removal.  The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to authorize the First Selectwoman to go to the Board of Finance to request additional funds in the amount of $46,000.00 for 2010-2011 snow removal.  The difference requested is the estimated amount needed to restock Public Work’s supply of sand and salt for next season, which is common practice Iino said.  The manager of Public Works, Walter Adametz was present and agrees with the number requested for supply replenishment. 

Lastly, the Selectmen voted to appoint Donna Schanoff as acting Assessor until the Board of Selectmen has a chance to review the documentation to be prepared by the First Selectwoman.   Pursuant to the town charter, the assessor is appointed for a one-year term each April and the revaluation is currently under way.