FY22 Budget Questions: Time to Be Even More Cautious than Usual
There are no easy answers and no “right versus wrong” answers to these complex, interrelated questions; there are only trade-offs to be carefully considered based on different risk propensities. FT believes that we should be even more cautious than usual because we are currently subject to significantly heightened risks, and that a substantial increase in our FY22 tax levy to eliminate the budget cliffs we created in FY21 (resulting in only a 1.1% in our mill rate) – however paradoxical it may sound coming from Fairfield Taxpayer – is therefore the most prudent option. Our primary focus remains on our tax base, a “vital organ” for any town, which is still 4% below its FY11 peak, and would be 6% below if commercial property values were flat after the 2020 revaluation instead of up ~23%. Read More
FT Responds to Lori Charlton's Comments on FFLD's FY2022 Budget
On April 2, 2021, Lori Charlton, a member of Fairfield’s Board of Finance, posted comments about the Town’s budget for FY2022. Click to read FT's response
Mill Rate Down, Millions In Cuts As Fairfield BOF Passes Budget
The question Wednesday night wasn't if the Board of Finance would cut the proposed Fairfield budget, but by how much. In the end, the body reduced the 2022 spending plan by about $2.3 million, leaving a total budget of roughly $333.4 million; a mill rate increase of 1.2 percent, down from 1.9 percent; and 5.6 percent gross tax levy growth, instead of 6.4 percent. After the board's adjustments, the levy is set to go up about $16.7 million year-over-year. The budget was approved along party lines, with Democrats Lori Charlton, Sheila Marmion and John Mitola dissenting.
Among the changes the board agreed upon was a $1.2 million reduction in surplus contributions, with the body adjusting the line item from $2.2 million to just above $1 million. Mitola pushed to cut the full $2.2 million. "I think for this year, in an attempt to reduce the tax burden on the taxpayers, it's important that we do this," he said. Patch 4.1.21
Among the changes the board agreed upon was a $1.2 million reduction in surplus contributions, with the body adjusting the line item from $2.2 million to just above $1 million. Mitola pushed to cut the full $2.2 million. "I think for this year, in an attempt to reduce the tax burden on the taxpayers, it's important that we do this," he said. Patch 4.1.21
As Fairfield Budget Vote Nears, Residents Have Their Say
Some residents questioned conservation and education cuts at a recent public forum on Fairfield's proposed budget, while others felt expenses were too high, given the coronavirus pandemic.
"People in Fairfield are still hurting," said Craig Curley, who called the budget "tone-deaf" as well as "audacious and disrespectful."
The $335.5 million spending plan includes an $18.3 million — or 5.8 percent — uptick in year-over-year expenses, a 1.9 percent mill rate increase and a 6.4 percent growth in the assessed tax levy. The budget comes a year after Fairfield officials chose not to raise the tax rate in order to offer residents a financial reprieve during the hardship of the pandemic. Patch 3.30.21
"People in Fairfield are still hurting," said Craig Curley, who called the budget "tone-deaf" as well as "audacious and disrespectful."
The $335.5 million spending plan includes an $18.3 million — or 5.8 percent — uptick in year-over-year expenses, a 1.9 percent mill rate increase and a 6.4 percent growth in the assessed tax levy. The budget comes a year after Fairfield officials chose not to raise the tax rate in order to offer residents a financial reprieve during the hardship of the pandemic. Patch 3.30.21
Job Cuts Stay In Fairfield Budget As Spending Plan Moves Forward
Job cuts planned for the coming fiscal year will remain in the 2021-22 budget after a divided Board of Selectmen voted Monday to approve the spending plan with only minor adjustments. The $335.5 million budget left the board meeting with a slightly lower mill rate increase than was originally presented. Selectmen voted to add about $315,000 in found revenue to the document, decreasing the projected tax rate hike from 1.98 percent to 1.88 percent. Fairfield Patch 3.9.21
Fairfield Budget Up Nearly 6%; Includes Job Cuts, Infrastructure
Fairfield's proposed budget for the coming fiscal year would raise the mill rate and tax levy while reducing town staff and investing in infrastructure. First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick presented her spending plan for 2021-22 on Monday to the town's Board of Selectman. The $335.5 million budget is an $18.3 million — or 5.77 percent — increase over 2020-21, and would see the mill rate rise 1.98 percent and the tax levy go up 6.34 percent. "Due to the impact of revaluation, many people are going to see a much higher increase in their taxes," Selectman Tom Flynn said after the presentation. Fairfield Patch 3.2.21
Nearly 2 Percent Tax Increase Proposed For Fairfield Budget
The town budget season will get underway Monday, when First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick presents the annual budget — including a nearly 2 percent tax increase — to Fairfield's Board of Selectmen, according to a news release from Kupchick's office. "In crafting this budget, I was mindful of all the sacrifices and triumphs we have experienced as a town and as a nation living through the challenges of a pandemic and the economic hardships that came with it," Kupchick said in the news release. "I am saddened by the loss of life in our town and heartened by our community's resilience that makes Fairfield a great place for families, for seniors to retire, and for businesses to grow." Kupchick's 2021-22 budget — which, if adopted unchanged, will result in a 1.98 percent tax increase — uses grand list growth to replenish accounts that subsidized the decision not to increase taxes in 2020-21, according to the news release. The budget also ensures the town's long-term liabilities are once again fully funded. Fairfield Patch 2.27.21
