MARB on West Haven: “moving in the right direction”

The city of West Haven could shake its Title IV status if its current leadership continues its efforts to right its financial state one member of the Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB) stated following a presentation from the city’s financial director.

MARB member Sal Luciano congratulated Mayor Dorinda Borer and city staff, including financial director Michael Gormany, after a presentation that included an executive summary from Boyer and a review of the city’s finances for July 2024. Luciano said that the city was “definitely moving in the right direction” and that he could “see them coming out of Tier IV in the future” with the current leadership.

MARB placed West Haven under Tier IV oversight, the state’s strictest level, after an audit from April 2022 that found former state Rep. Michael DiMassa and city employee John Bernardo had misspent $900,000 in federal funding intended to provide relief from the COVID-19 pandemic, and after the city issued $17 million of deficit bonds in 2017. The issuance of deficit bonds automatically earns a municipality Title III status and refers it to MARB.

Under the designation, MARB has the authority to review the city’s monthly financial reports and monitor and approve various other elements of the city’s financial dealings, including budgeting, non-labor contracts, and certain bonds.

During MARB’s October 3 meeting, Borer gave an executive summary of activity involving the city’s finances and recent steps the city has taken to improve its economic development. Boyer stated that an audit of the city was ongoing and the city is working with two consultants. She also stated the city has added a new control over its finances, requiring a department head to sign off on a statement that the contract is within the existing budget before the mayor signs off. The city’s finance director and the corporation council’s attorney are also required to make the same sign-off.

Borer also noted that the city has utilized roughly $400,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) COVID-19 pandemic relief money to create a grant program small businesses can use to make facade upgrades. In addition, Borer said the city has made $125,000 in grants for the arts available. Borer said she knows the city is “racing the clock” on spending the money, which expires this year, but wanted to make sure its use is valuable.

Other business incentives Borer mentioned included the creation of a downtown business merchant’s association, a tax incentive program for businesses looking to relocate, and moves the city is making to work with bidders interested in various properties around the city.

Gormany also gave an overview of the city’s financials from July 2024 and a 2024 audit being conducted of the city. According to Gormany, there are currently no areas of concern in the city’s financials. He noted that July marks the beginning of the city’s financial year. He also noted that the city had closed the books on its financial systems for fiscal year 2024 the previous day and was beginning to work with auditors.

MARB also voted to approve a number of non-union contracts, most for vehicles for the city’s public works and police department. Other contracts sought a utility camera and license plate recognition system, funding for sewer and manhole rehabilitation construction, and an expansion of the city’s veteran’s memorial, which will be funded with ARPA money.

At the same meeting, MARB reviewed Hartford’s finances. The city currently has a Tier III designation.

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