Audit Missing, Commission Marginalized
May 8, 2025 Finance Commission Meeting Recap
Hamden’s Finance Commission met on May 8th to reset its structure and confront its sidelined role, as Mayor Lauren Garrett confirmed the FY24 audit is still incomplete and reaffirmed that there’s no need to wait before finalizing the FY25 budget. Commissioners expressed frustration over their lack of influence and unclear purpose, calling out the administration’s failure to meaningfully engage with their input.
Budget First, Accountability Later
When asked about the audit’s status, Garrett confirmed it had not been completed and cited staffing shortages in the Finance Office as the cause of the delay. She claimed Hamden was still within the state’s allowed grace period (six months after the deadline), and that the audit was expected by the end of May.
“We are almost done providing all the information to our auditors.”
“The State gives you an extra six months before you’re out of compliance.”
However, rather than express concern about proceeding without audited financials, Garrett defended the decision to submit the FY25 budget anyway, repeatedly downplaying the role of the audit in shaping financial decisions.
“You absolutely can create a budget without the audit.”
“It has not hindered me in my production of the budget, and I don’t think it should hinder the Legislative Council.”
Garrett argued that the town’s budget was based on five years of historical actuals and departmental trends, not the current audit, which, she insisted, was unlikely to reveal anything that would require changes.
“The experience that we have this fiscal year is more important to recognize.”
“I don’t anticipate there’d be any adjustments that would need to be made after the audit.”
Why That Matters
While it’s true that municipalities are not legally required to wait for an audit before budgeting, Garrett’s repeated dismissal of its value, paired with a lack of contingency planning or willingness to revisit the budget if needed, raises major red flags. The audit could reveal:
Misclassified or misstated fund balances
Missed liabilities or obligations
Previously unidentified structural gaps
Yet the mayor suggested that no matter what the audit finds, the budget will remain unchanged.
“You don’t really want to rely too heavily on any given year.”
That might be reasonable advice in theory, but this isn’t just “any year.” Hamden is emerging from a revaluation crisis, has just spent millions in federal ARPA funds, and is still navigating long-term structural deficits. Residents and council members alike have pressed for transparency, particularly around revenue, grant usage, and payroll funding, yet the town's most comprehensive financial document, the audit, remains unavailable.
Undermining Oversight, Minimizing Risk
Garrett’s stance amounts to a preemptive dismissal of accountability tools. Not only is the town making major fiscal decisions without its books finalized, but the mayor also actively encouraged the Legislative Council to do the same, stating:
“I don’t think [the audit] should hinder the Legislative Council.”
That leaves taxpayers and even members of the Finance Commission with no ability to verify what the town can actually afford, and whether the FY25 budget is built on solid ground or creative assumptions.
New Monthly Schedule Adopted
The commission voted to adopt a consistent meeting schedule, agreeing to convene on the second Thursday of each month at 4:00 PM. The decision was made unanimously, with members noting that a standing meeting time could help improve preparation, attendance, and public engagement.
Some logistical concerns were raised, particularly around ensuring hybrid access and clarity on whether in-person or virtual attendance was required, but the motion passed without objection.
A Board Without a Blueprint
Several members spoke candidly about their confusion over the Commission’s actual powers and the absence of a clear framework for how their recommendations are used, or not used, by the Legislative Council or the Mayor’s Office.
One member noted that when the Finance Commission makes suggestions, they are often perceived as political critiques rather than neutral financial input.
Another noted that very few town bodies actively request or integrate the commission’s input, especially during the early stages of budget development or labor negotiations.
There was general agreement that the Commission has become more performative than impactful, due in part to its limited scope, lack of formal access to decision-makers, and absence of feedback loops on prior recommendations.
“We don’t know what happens with anything we submit - there’s no response, no process. We’re operating in a vacuum.”
Commission’s Charter Role Briefly Reiterated
During the meeting, the mayor acknowledged that under Hamden’s Charter, the Finance Commission is responsible for reviewing union contracts and advising on fiscal matters, but she did not expand on what that looks like in practice or offer to enhance their role going forward.
There was no formal discussion on how to improve the commission’s authority, integrate it more meaningfully into the budget cycle, or establish communication protocols with the administration or council committees.
Addendum:
Thanks to community feedback, a few additions were made as of Tuesday, May 13th.
Ice Rink Management Contract
The commission briefly discussed the town’s current contract for the ice rink on Mix Avenue, which pays a private management company $257,000 annually. That company retains most of the profits, prompting some members to suggest that the town reevaluate whether this public-private arrangement serves Hamden’s long-term interests. There was interest in exploring whether the town could assume operations to retain more revenue.
Tennis Court Renovations
Commissioners also discussed the town’s plan to renovate the high school tennis courts. Unlike the ice rink, the courts are not managed by a private entity and are primarily used by schools and the general public. An RFP for the renovation is reportedly written but still waiting to be posted by the town’s purchasing agent. No one is currently profiting from the courts, raising questions about how to prioritize public investment in non-revenue-generating infrastructure.
Health Insurance Liabilities
Concerns about health insurance costs were raised in connection with past Medicare-related liabilities and sick leave policies. One commissioner flagged an unresolved issue around excessive sick leave payouts and asked whether recent recommendations to limit such liabilities had been implemented. The administration acknowledged some changes but gave few specifics.
Red Light and Speed Cameras
Discussion turned briefly to traffic enforcement as a potential revenue source. The administration stated that speed cameras generate significantly more revenue than red light cameras and noted that crash data is required to justify placement. Multiple locations, including Dixwell at Mather and Benham, are under review for installation.
Cannabis Shop Revenue Underperformance
Hamden currently has three cannabis shops, but according to the mayor, cannabis revenues have underperformed expectations across the state. Commissioners had hoped these businesses would bring in more local revenue. This prompted a broader reflection on overestimating new revenue streams in town projections.
PILOT Reform and Quinnipiac University
The mayor explained that the town’s assessor has revalued Quinnipiac University properties upward to better align with state PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) calculations. Since the university doesn’t pay property taxes directly, the goal is to maximize reimbursements from the state. Garrett admitted the properties were previously undervalued, but asserted that the new figures should increase Hamden’s future PILOT payments.
Commission Resumes May 15
Due to time constraints and a backlog of internal items, the Finance Commission scheduled a follow-up meeting for Thursday, May 15 at 6:00 PM. The next session is expected to focus on clarifying their mission and communication protocols with other town bodies.
Disclaimer: I pulled the full transcripts from the official recordings on the Town of Hamden’s Public Meeting Center and used AI tools to organize the content by topic. I then carefully reviewed and edited each section to ensure clarity and accuracy. I hope to make these meetings more accessible, especially for those who don’t have time to sit through hours of video. I hope these recaps help you stay informed and engaged.