RIDGEFIELD, CT — Voters at Ridgefield’s May 4 Annual Town Meeting advanced a $181.1 million proposed budget to referendum and approved more than $2.23 million in smaller capital expenditures after discussion of spending priorities, debt levels and infrastructure needs.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and the election of Sharon Dornfeld as moderator. The session concluded with a vote to adjourn and formally call a referendum for Tuesday, May 12, at Yanity Gym.
Voters unanimously moved nine major budget resolutions — including town, school and capital spending plans — to referendum without amendments.
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The proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget totals about $181.1 million, a 3.6 percent increase over the current year, according to Board of Finance Chair Mike Rettger.
The plan includes a $55.1 million town operating and debt service budget, which includes an 11 percent increase in debt service costs ($8.9M). The ask for the Board of Education is $123.8 million, slightly over a $4 million increase
If approved in next week's referendum, the budget would set the mill rate at 28.36, a 3.52 percent increase, Rettger said.
Rettger said the Board of Finance sought to “flatten the rate of growth” in spending while responding to pressures including declining investment income, modest grand list growth and ongoing special education costs.
First Selectperson Rudy Marconi said the town portion of the budget reflects a 2.96 percent increase, citing higher costs for telecommunications, insurance and vehicle maintenance, along with new funding for social services.
“We have a challenge… that people from various parts of town have said, if the town itself puts money in, we will match what the town puts in,” Marconi said regarding a proposed $10,000 contribution to an emergency assistance fund.
Related: Ridgefield BOE Struggles To Meet $1.52M Cut Ahead of Budget Referendum
Superintendent Susie Da Silva outlined a 3.34 percent school budget increase, describing it as a “maintenance and alignment budget” focused on staffing, contractual obligations and student services.
“Our focus is always to maintain quality, predictability, and… sustainability,” Da Silva said.
Public comment included concerns about rising capital spending and its impact on future debt service.
A Prospect Ridge resident said he would oppose the capital plan, citing the cumulative effect of borrowing.
“So I’m planning on voting no on all of these things… because I think that the Board of Finance and perhaps the Board of Selectpersons need to revisit it,” the resident said.
Officials noted that many capital projects are offset by grants or rebates and that borrowing is limited to approved amounts.
Unlike the main budget questions, voters approved smaller capital items — those under $100,000 — directly at the meeting.
The approved $2.23 million package includes:
Each category was approved by voice vote.
Residents asked about specific projects, including a long-awaited reconstruction of Ridgebury Road. Public Works Director Jacob Muller said paving work is expected to begin in phases, with major reconstruction continuing into 2027.
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Questions were also raised about enrollment trends, prompting Da Silva to note increases in preschool and transition programs for students ages 18 to 22.
The proposed budget and nine capital resolutions will be decided by referendum on May 12 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Yanity Gym.
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