Board poised to name Miller’s replacement
SEYMOUR — With First Selectman Kurt Miller’s last day on the job this week, his fellow selectmen are expected to name his replacement Thursday.
Miller is leaving before the end of his fifth term for a new job in neighboring Ansonia as the city’s chief financial officer. He made the announcement last month, saying he was considering offers in both the private and municipal sectors.
The remaining selectmen, according to the Town Charter, have 30 days to act in naming a replacement. They can choose a fellow Republican member currently on the board to take Miller’s place, or any other Republican elector, according to Town Attorney Richard Buturla.
There are four Republicans currently serving on the board: Deputy First Selectman Annmarie Drugonis and selectmen Al Bruno, Trisha Danka and Bob Findley.
Buturla briefed the board last month following Miller’s resignation announcement, about the appointment process it needs to follow in selecting a replacement.
The only thing Miller had said about his successor is that “it will have to be a Republican.”
Miller was not immediately available for comment.
During his nearly 10 years at the helm, Miller, 50, had said he’s most proud of helping to create “one of the best fund balances and highest bond ratings in the Valley,” as well as keeping
“the mill rate stable over the past five years.”
In announcing his resignation to residents last month, Miller said, “Serving in this position for my hometown has been one of the greatest privileges and honors of my life. It is an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. This town has given me more than I could ever repay and I am deeply grateful for having had the chance to lead it for so many years.”
The father of two added that it was time for a fresh face with new ideas to take over the town’s top post.
“It’s time for a change for Seymour and for me,” he said. “Someone stepping forward with new ideas is always good for a municipality.”
Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti said previously that Miller signed a five-year contract with an annual salary of $138,000. Miller was earning about $90,000 annually as Seymour’s first selectman.
Miller is no stranger when it comes to working with Ansonia and its finances — he was paid $30,000 by Ansonia to consult on the city’s 2019-20 budget. Cassetti had said the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on taxpayers and the city could make the next budget challenging, which is why he wanted someone of Miller’s caliber and expertise onboard.
“When the people voted me as mayor seven years ago, I promised them I would keep taxes stable,” Cassetti had said. “Kurt has a background in accounting and developed a long-term financial plan for Seymour. I want him to make a longterm assessment of what we need to do here to keep taxes stable, if not lower them.”
Miller will be Ansonia’s first chief financial officer, and will report to Cassetti.