Madison Finance Board Funds Flood Study and Community Projects

The finance board gave the go‑ahead for a flood‑mitigation study and approved spending from the opioid settlement. It authorized up to $49,930 from the town’s Coastal Resilience Reserve Fund for a Public Works investigation of Green Hill Road Extension. The board also accepted two donations. One gift of $10,500 came from the Madison Newcomers Club for the Youth and Family Services back‑to‑school program. Another gift of $2,199.95 arrived from the Women’s Club of Madison to help the Beach and Recreation Department install a water‑bottle station and new filters at Strong Field and Anderson Field House.

The reserve fund holds about $800,000 and is meant for projects like this study, according to operations chief Sam DeBurra. Finance chief Stacy Nobitz confirmed the balance. Board member John Rasimas asked why the project was being launched now, but DeBurra explained that residents have long complained about flooding and officials decided it was time to look for solutions. The town will hire experts to figure out how to stop the water from hitting Green Hill Road Extension. Once a plan is ready, officials plan to chase grants while using reserve money to cover the expert fees. The opioid settlement account currently holds $200,000, and the board set aside $9,650 for an outreach social worker. That money fills a gap between grant funding and other resources for the position. More than $13,000 was also earmarked for extra Health Department hours, and the need is expected to continue through the rest of the fiscal year.

First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons gave updates on several other town initiatives. The Board of Selectmen is gathering cost estimates for seawall repairs to decide the next steps. A new survey is underway to gauge interest in a second round of upgrades at the Surf Club facility. Talks about a hotel group’s bid for the Academy property have been paused while a deeper study of wastewater options and site suitability is completed. Lyons also announced a ribbon‑cutting for the Emergency Operations Center on Oct. 9, a project funded by a federal grant and town money.

The board’s actions show a mix of immediate needs and longer‑term planning. By spending reserve cash now, the town hopes to prevent future flood damage and improve community services. The social worker and health department funding aim to keep residents supported as opioid‑related challenges persist. Looking ahead, the town will seek additional grants and include the position’s funding in the next operating budget. Overall, the finance board’s decisions reflect a push for safer roads, stronger public spaces, and more resilient infrastructure.