How High Will They Go? Farmington Council Mulls Budget Increases For 2026-27

FARMINGTON, CT — The Farmington Town Council recently signaled support for setting a 3-4.5 percent increase in the town/school budget as it prepares to plan for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Members emphasized that key revenue figures remain unknown.

Farmington Town Manager Kathy Blonski last month reviewed past practices in which the council has set budget targets for both the town and the Farmington Board of Education.

Targets have varied in form, including expenditure levels, tax rate goals, specific figures, or general policy guidance.

Blonski said at the Jan. 27 council meeting that not all information needed to finalize the budget — including revenue projections and state aid — is currently available.

She outlined factors shaping her forthcoming recommendation, including maintaining high service levels, identifying cost-saving measures, and reviewing major budget drivers.

Among those drivers are inflation, with the Consumer Price Index at 2.7 percent as of December 2025; rising costs for goods and services; and full-year operating costs for two additional town facilities coming online in FY 2026-27.

Blonski also cited last year’s $800,000 fund balance appropriation and the impact of collective bargaining agreements, noting that step increases push compensation costs above the 3 percent settlement rate.

Blonski said maintaining current service levels, including opening new facilities, places the town “closer to a 4 percent maintenance budget.”

She told council members she would present service levels, needs, and a list of desired initiatives for their consideration, while flagging ongoing operational and staffing challenges and changing workforce expectations.

Council members largely agreed that providing a range — rather than a fixed number — would give department heads flexibility to present their needs.

Councilor Keith Vibert supported setting targets that maintain service levels “without backsliding” and suggested a range in the low-to-mid 3 percent area.

He said he would not support a target above 4 percent.

Councilor William Beckert also favored a range but said it is important to hear directly from department professionals about changing community needs.

He suggested broader guidance of approximately 2.75 to 4.75 percent.

Councilor Patricia Boye-Williams said she was concerned about setting targets without fully understanding the cost of implementing the town’s strategic plan.

She supported a similar guidance range and said elected officials must ultimately make difficult prioritization decisions.

Councilor Dave Wlodkowski said the strategic plan identifies important initiatives and that a reasonable range would allow projects to be implemented either fully or in phases.

Councilor Nadine Canto backed using a range but preferred keeping it in the low-to-mid 3 percent range.

Councilor Bruce Polsky also supported a range, cautioning that departments may self-limit too much under lower targets.

He emphasized the need for careful budget work, future-focused planning, and the use of technology to improve efficiency.

Farmington Town Council Chairman Brian F. X. Connolly summarized the discussion, noting apparent consensus around guidance in the 3 to 4.5 percent range, while recognizing unknown variables and the need to give the town manager flexibility to operate effectively.

Blonski said she would aim to come in “as close to the agreed guidance as possible.”

The council is expected to continue budget discussions as additional revenue and state funding information becomes available.

In May 2025, voters approved a $136.77 million town/school spending package for the current fiscal year, with a percentage increase much larger than the ones discussed last month.

The current budget is $8.164 million larger than the prior 2024-25 combined budget, or 6.35 percent larger.

With the current budget, the town's tax rate jumped from 25.45 mills to 26.62 mills — or a 1.17-mill increase.

For the minutes of the Jan. 27 Farmington Town Council meeting, click on this link.

From May 2, 2025: 'Farmington Voters Approve New Budget And Tax Increase'