Fall River’s Community Preservation Committee heard a funding briefing Tuesday that put the committee’s working figure for FY26 awards at about $1.2 million.

Sandy Dennis, administrative staff for the CPC, told members the committee should base voting on roughly $1,200,000 available for discretionary awards after required deductions and bond obligations. Dennis said two outstanding bonds — for a land acquisition and a combined Fall River Central Fire Station/Fire Museum project — total $302,250 and that an administrative fee line of $45,000 must also be set aside before awards are calculated.

Dennis cautioned committee members that audited account line items in the packet include funds already allocated to previously approved projects (often identified as “outstanding” or reserved) and therefore are not spendable. She also pointed to an additional housing reserve shown on the audited sheet of $249,150 that remained available if housing needs arise later in the fiscal year.

Members asked several timing questions. Dennis said state and final revenue figures frequently arrive in February or March and recommended the committee vote conservatively on the $1.2 million figure so the committee does not overcommit before year‑end receipts and returns of previously allocated but unused funds. She also reminded the committee that any grant award must include a deed‑restriction filing fee (she cited a $625 fee) and that members should account for that when proposing funding amounts for individual awards.

Chairman John Brandt and others pressed for a follow‑up report showing which previously allocated projects still have unspent balances and when those balances might return to their original categories. Dennis said she would prepare a supplemental report and offered to meet with a small subcommittee to review outstanding allocations and upcoming extension requests before the next meeting.

Votes at a glance: The committee approved the January 9 minutes by roll call (motioned and seconded; unanimous yes votes recorded).