Old Town Hall (Directions) 611 Old Post Road Fairfield, CT 06824 Sullivan Independence Hall 725 Old Post Road Fairfield, CT 06824 203-256-3000 Find additional contact info here
2/23/2022 - 2.23.22 TOWN BUDGET UPDATE Dear Residents of Fairfield, I’m sending an interim update between newsletters to provide you information on the budget, which I presented before the Board of Selectmen today. Our community has experienced a great deal throughout the last two years of the pandemic, and I am mindful of the sacrifices and challenges we have collectively endured. Despite the challenges of the last two years, we are fortunate to live in Fairfield, which maintains its unique small-town feeling with diverse neighborhoods, excellent schools, an active community that participates in local government through many boards and commissions, where residents always step up to lend a hand for a neighbor. I believe this budget is responsive to the needs of residents and businesses and responsible to taxpayers with a less than 1% increase in the mill rate. The FY23 budget: -Reorganizes & Right-sizes Town Government -Increased Government Modernization, Access & Transparency -Invests in Education -Invests in Public Safety -Maintains Tax Relief for Senior & Disabled Residents -Funds Long Term Contractual Obligations -Preserves AAA Credit Rating & Long-Term Fiscal Health of the Town I am proud of the work my administration has done with the fortitude to make sorely needed and long overdue structural changes. This budget addresses the diverse needs of our community while being mindful of the town’s responsibility to its taxpayers. Below I have linked my proposed budget, the slide deck I presented, and the budget resource website, as well as a link to Fair TV where today's meeting will be posted. Tomorrow, you can tune in live to the BOS hearings and participate in public comment. The agenda for tomorrow's meeting is posted here. Please keep in mind that the budget will not be final until it goes through the Board of Selectmen where changes can be made, the Board of Finance where they also have the authority to reduce or add with a majority vote, and finally the Representative Town Meeting that can reduce the budget but cannot increase it. I know Fairfield’s budget process is a long one, that goes until Thursday, May 5th when the Board of Finance sets the final mill rate. I care deeply about our community and will continue to listen and learn from our residents. I will continue to provide updates on the budget process and welcome your feedback. Sincerely, Brenda L. Kupchick Slide Deck Presentation Budget Highlights •Mill Rate – Less than 1% increase at .98% •Pension Contribution – Fully funded at 100% of ADEC •OPEB Contribution – Fully funded at 100% of ADEC •Fund Balance – FY22 surplus will maintain the 11.34% funding level through FY23 •Public Schools – Budget increase of $7.9 million over last year (4.12%). This is a $2.5 million reduction from the Board of Education’s FY23 request •Salary, Wages, and Contingency – Set aside reserve to fund open contracts FY 23 Budget Proposal BOS Meeting Recordings FY 23 Budget Website Archives