Fairfield RTM Approves $400 Million Town Budget for 2026-27 Fiscal Year

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Representative Town Meeting voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the town’s $400.37 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Officials said the budget addresses the impact of recent property revaluations while maintaining local services. On June 2, the Board of Finance is slated to set the mill rate; the budget takes effect July 1.

"This budget is more than just a financial document, it’s a promise to our residents that we will protect the services they value most," said RTM Moderator Margaret Horton following Tuesday's meeting. "Despite the challenges created by the recent revaluation, the RTM worked diligently and collaboratively with other town boards to ensure that every dollar is being used to improve the daily lives of Fairfielders, from the safety of our streets to the quality of our classrooms."

The approved budget includes $243.9 million for the Board of Education, accounting for more than 60 percent of total town spending. According to officials, the education funding supports teacher contractual obligations and technology updates at Fairfield’s two high schools.

Democratic Majority Leader Michelle McCabe said the RTM focused on maintaining services during the budget process.

“Throughout the budget process, the RTM was focused on ensuring our town remains a place where all residents can thrive,” McCabe said. “We are making meaningful investments that people will see and feel every time they drop their kids off at school, seek quality of life amenities, or walk through their neighborhoods.”

The budget also includes funding for police and fire personnel, public safety equipment and infrastructure projects, including security upgrades at North Stratfield, Osborn Hill and Roger Sherman elementary schools.

To view information on the budget, click here.

Republican Minority Leader Peter Britton said the budget prioritizes core services while considering taxpayers.

"This budget strikes a necessary balance between fiscal discipline and the essential needs of our community," Britton said. "By prioritizing core services like police, fire, and DPW, we are protecting our residents' quality of life while remaining deeply cognizant of their tax burden. This plan ensures Fairfield remains a great town for families and seniors by addressing our responsibilities today rather than passing the bill to the next generation."

Town officials said the budget also uses prior-year surpluses to help reduce the impact of the property revaluation on the mill rate.

RTM members who voted during Tuesday's meeting were: Peter Britton, Doug Kniffin, Melissa Longo, Brooke Sparacino, Scott Bisang, Craig Diamond, Gil Larsen, Cara Leichter, Ashby Dodge, Cindy Waldron, Jennifer Hauhuth, Laura Karson, Michelle McCabe, Elizabeth Zezima, Betsy Elrick, Sharon Pistilli, Jay Wolk, Emma Barron, Rob Blanchard, Erik Drewniak, Tracy Rodriguez, Steve Berecz, Lori Galdenzi, John Kuhn, Scott Nickel, Lenny Braman, Chris Carroll, Richard Jacobs, Eileen O’Reilly, Dru Georgiadis, Lisa Havey, Amanda Morgan, Margaret Horton, and Pierre Ratzki.

Those absent were: Anne Fifick, Mike Hartigan, Josh Garskof, Eric Treschuk, Matt Ambrose, and Justin Contratto.