Trumbull Budget Task Force Member Has Plans

When a bipartisan task force meets to review merging services between the schools and the , member Paul Timpanelli says he's prepared.

"I do have some experience in this area because we have gone through this with the Bridgeport Board of Education," said Timpanelli, who is also the president of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council.

"Maintenance, groundskeeping, food services, janitorial," he said, citing some areas that might be combined. "They're pretty useful and pretty standard."

"I'm looking forward to it," Timpanelli said.

The rest of the committee is made of Michael Niedermeier, a former member of the Trumbull Board of Finance and Police Commission, currently an accountant; Daniel Shamas, former assistant superintendent for the Bridgeport school district and former Bridgeport mayoral Chief of Staff; and Juan Lopez, a former Bridgeport schools superintendent.

One idea still being explored is merging health plan costs, said Board of Education Chairman Stephen Wright.

In a recent press release, First Selectman Tim Herbst said he hopes the committee will issue a report within the first 100 days from Jan. 3.

"You have people serving on this task force from education backgrounds, private sector backgrounds and municipal backgrounds," Herbst said. "Each member brings a unique perspective and I believe their work over the next 100 days will be productive in helping to move our town forward."

Wright said in the press release that, "I am very pleased that the committee to explore the joint efficiencies is established. I am also very impressed with the quality and experience of the four individuals named."

Timpanelli said the committe might meet at the end of January.