By Julia Barcello
On January 7, the Town of Greenwich officially swore in new members of one of the town’s most powerful boards, the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET). The meeting began with nominations for each position followed by brief remarks from the new members. All members were unanimously voted into their position.
The new Chair of the BET, David Weisbrod has substantial experience as the former Vice Chairman of J.P. Morgan where he served for 40 years. He was previously the Chair of the Greenwich Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals and has been elected to serve four terms on the BET.
In his later remarks, Weisbrod expressed his gratitude for the position. “I first would like to say that I’m truly honored to be elected as your chair. I would also say that I’d like to thank our previous Chair, Mr. [Harry] Fisher, for leading us in difficult times, and I look forward to working with you and all of us on this, on this BET.”
Weisbrod also discussed his hopes to work closely with the community and follow the needs of the town. “Each one of us must play a role. We are all, all of us, partners in this endeavor. Moreover, we will strive to engage collaboratively with other elected officials in the town on the RTM, the Office of the Selectmen and the Board of Education. We will listen carefully to their voices, their counsel and ideas will always be welcome.”
He later explained, “The history of our BET shows that we have performed best when there is trust and open communication, starting with all 12 members and extending into the community at large. I pledge to do my very best, to do just that, so that together we can best serve Greenwich.”
Weisbrod further explained his goals to focus on the long term impact of decisions made by the board; “We must keep an eye on the longer term future, including plans to address infrastructure, technology and sustainability, focusing, as always, on assuring that taxes are affordable and predictable.”
Matt DesChamps was nominated as Vice Chair of the BET. DesChamps has been a member of the BET since 2023, previously the BET liaison for the Greenwich Energy Management Advisory Committee. He currently chairs the [Dorothy] Hamill Rink Task Force. With over 30 years of experience in finance and investment he is currently a Founding Partner of Kepos Capital L.P and an adjunct professor of Finance at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business.
In the position of town clerk is Doug Fenton. He holds 20 years of experience in finance and is a new member to the BET. Fenton is a member of the RTM’s Budget Overview Committee where he gained town leadership experience. Joan Lynch has received the position as controller of the town. The BET appointed Lauren Elliot as town assessor. These positions are each held for two years.
In regards to the standing committees: First Audit, Matt DesChamps, Steven Selbst, Leslie Tarkington, Josh Brown. The Chair for the Budget Committee is Laura Erickson. Members include Doug Fenton, Harry Fisher and Joe Kelly.
The Human Resources Committee Chair is Elliot Alchek with members Doug Fenton, Leslie Tarkington and Josh Brown.
Elliot Alchek is chair of the Investment Advisory OPEB Committee. Members include, Steven Selbst, Joe Pellegrino and Sally Bednar.
The Law Committee Chair is Stephen Selbst, with member Leslie Tarkington. The policy and procedure committee includes chair, Laura Erickson and member Josh Brown.
Moving to liaisons for the assessor, Elliot Alchek and Leslie Tarkington for the Community Development Block Grant. Matt DesChamp and Joe Pellegrino for controller finance. David Weisbrod, Joe Pellegrino for the Department of Public Works, Doug Fenton, Leslie Tarkington for the Board of Education, Laura Erickson, and Joe Pellegrino for the Information Technology Department.
Matt Deshaun and Harry Fisher for the Nathaniel Witherell, Steven Selbst and Harry Fisher for the Parks and Recreation Department, Matt Deshawn and Sally Bednar for the Public Safety Department, David Weisbrod and Harry Fisher for the Retirement Board OPEB Elliot Alchek and Sally Bednar.
For the Energy Management Advisory Committee, Matt DesChamp. For the special project teams, the debt and fund balance Policy Committee, Chair Elliot Alchek, members, Steven Selbst, Joe Pellegrino and Sally Bednar.
The Greenwich High School Vestibule Committee is David Weisbrod. For the Central Middle School Building Committee, Joe Kelly. For the Old Greenwich School Building Committee, Steven Selbst. For the Julia Curtis Building Committee, Harry Fisher for the Riverside School Building Committee.
