Corbet's Firm To Assist New Canaan With Budget

NEW CANAAN, Conn. – Kathleen Corbet may not have won election as town treasurer in November, but she will nevertheless play a role as New Canaan prepares its next budget.

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Monday to hire Corbet's firm, Cross Ridge Capital/Consulting, for a minimum of 250 hours and a maximum of 300 hours of consulting services. 

First Selectman Robert Mallozzi III said Corbet will serve as liaison between the first selectman, the town's chief financial officer, chief administrative officer Tom Stadler and Budget Director Jennifer Charneski. Corbet, a former Board of Finance member, was defeated in the treasurer's race by longtime incumbent V. Donald Hersam Jr. 

Mallozzi sought to hire a budget adviser after Finance Director Gary Conrad announced last week that he was leaving New Canaan to work in Westport. Conrad’s final day in New Canaan is Friday.

Mallozzi said Corbet was a good choice given her knowledge of New Canaan and her financial acumen. “This woman has such an empathy and care for this community and the importance of being transparent and financial aspects of this community,” the first selectman said. “I called her and we started a conversation.”

Corbet will also do an audit of the finance department's operations over the last four years, including recommending possible changes in the chief financial officer position and assisting in finding a successor to Conrad. Corbet officially starts Wednesday, Mallozzi said.

The Board of Finance will have to approve a line-item transfer to cover the cost of the Cross Ridge contract, which will be paid from Conrad’s remaining salary.

Click here to follow Daily Voice New Canaan and receive free news updates.