Middletown Mayor Outlines Budget Hearings, Transit Gains and spring events

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Middletown residents will have a chance to weigh in on the city budget during upcoming hybrid meetings at City Hall, according to Mayor Gene Nocera’s biweekly update, which also highlighted transit ridership increases, health programs and spring community events.

Nocera wrote that the proposed budget focuses on “fiscal responsibility, transparency, and long-term stability.” He said the city’s priorities this year are maintaining essential city services, supporting public safety, education and public works, addressing rising operational costs while minimizing the impact on taxpayers, and continuing infrastructure investments.

The update says departmental budget reviews for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 will be held as hybrid meetings in the Common Council Chamber at 245 DeKoven Drive, with remote access through WebEx. The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2028, at 6 p.m. at the same location, also with WebEx access. Nocera wrote, “Public hearings and workshops are scheduled to provide residents with the opportunity to ask questions and share input. I strongly encourage participation in this important process.”

The mayor’s update also points to higher use of River Valley Transit services in Middletown. According to the update, ridership on the XtraMile micro-transit service increased 145 percent over last year, while ridership on regular scheduled bus service increased 26 percent. The increase in regular route use is tied in the update to River Valley Transit’s addition of Sunday service and route and schedule changes in Middletown.

Several health and community programs are also on the calendar. The city is partnering with Hartford HealthCare to host the 3D Mobile Mammography Unit at the Board of Education, 311 Hunting Hill Ave., on May 19 and at City Hall on May 21, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The update says screenings are open to City and Board of Education employees and spouses, along with eligible community residents.

A flag raising and town proclamation ceremony for America’s 250th is scheduled for Friday, March 27, at 1 p.m. at South Green/Union Park. The city also listed other planned events, including the Memorial Day Parade on May 25, the Middletown PRIDE Parade on June 6, the Juneteenth Parade on June 19, the Annual Fireworks Festival on June 27, an all-county themed parade on July 4 and the Amistad Tall Ship arrival in October.

The update also includes a March 28 Easter Egg Hunt at the Recreation Center, an April 11 celebration for Russell Library’s 150th anniversary, senior and renter tax relief filing deadlines, a free naloxone training on April 8, a smoking cessation program beginning June 1 and a city open house for CDL truck driver recruitment on April 14. Nocera wrote that updates, meeting schedules and budget documents are available on the city’s website.