Connecticut oversight board approves state takeover of West Haven finances

A Connecticut oversight board has voted to assist a full state takeover of the town funds in West Haven. It comes within the wake of the town’s misuse of $900,000 in federal COVID reduction funds.

A full state takeover of West Haven’s funds ought to assist flip across the troubled metropolis that’s been beneath state oversight for years, stated Jefferey Beckham, Governor Ned Lamont’s finances director who heads the Municipal Accounting Evaluate Board.

“I’m hopeful that we are able to get to a constructive consequence for the town and its taxpayers and for the state taxpayers as nicely in pretty brief order. And I can be committing the assets of my company to that effort on the course of the board.” Beckham stated.

“I perceive that I’d be on the brief finish of the stick as a result of I understand how to rely votes and I get that. However I’ve to do what I consider is correct and what’s proper for West Haven,” stated West Haven’s embattled Mayor Nancy Rossi, who would not assist the transfer.

She suffered a no confidence vote from West Haven’s Metropolis Council on Monday.

West Haven’s newest monetary troubles began final October. That is when Michael DeMassa, a former state consultant and metropolis worker, was arrested alongside along with his spouse and two others. They had been charged with allegedly stealing the federal COVID reduction cash.

The oversight board will submit its resolution to the governor for approval after a 30-day remark interval. Lamont has stated he helps the transfer.