Parks & Rec, Info Technology, Staffing & Major Capital Requests Under Ridgefield's Budget Microscope

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield officials on Jan. 27 began detailed review of the proposed 2026–27 town budget, focusing on rising debt service, staffing requests, and major capital investments for information technology and parks and recreation.

No budget votes were taken at the meeting, which marked the start of a series of departmental presentations to the Board of Selectpersons.

Finance Director Kevin Redmond presented an overview of the proposed operating budget, reporting a projected 2.92 percent increase on the municipal side, compared with a 4.62 percent increase for schools. Redmond said debt service is rising after reaching a low point in recent years, though it remains below fiscal 2022 levels.

Selectpersons discussed assumptions tied to the grand list, which Redmond said was projected at roughly 1 percent growth, pending final figures expected by the end of the month. The board did not plan to use fund balance to offset the mill rate, continuing a longstanding practice.

Redmond also reviewed staffing changes included in the draft budget, including added positions in Planning and Zoning and golf operations, and a reduction in full-time staffing in the Town Clerk’s office through the use of part-time employees. Several selectpersons questioned a proposed assistant zoning enforcement officer position, with First Selectman Rudy Marconi saying he opposed creating the role and wanted the department to justify the request.

Board members also revisited, but did not act on, the concept of adding a town administrator position. Several selectpersons said the idea warranted further discussion and financial modeling but agreed it was not ready for inclusion in the current budget proposal.

Information Technology Director Andrew Neblett presented his department’s operating and capital requests, outlining a proposed 0.24 percent increase. Neblett said recent infrastructure upgrades and cybersecurity investments allowed professional services costs to be reduced from prior years.

Neblett warned that cybersecurity threats remain a top concern, noting increased national attention to artificial intelligence-driven cyberattacks. He said no additional funding is currently requested for AI initiatives, though he is exploring internal tools and policy development to guide future use.

The IT capital plan includes funding for upgraded network switches, server virtualization changes intended to reduce licensing costs, and deferred security camera installations tied into the police department’s system. Several camera projects were pushed to future years to limit near-term spending.

Parks & Recreation Director Dennis DiPinto and Parks & Rec Commission Chair Phil Kearns presented a proposed operating budget increase of 3.52 percent, or about $202,000, which DiPinto said is fully offset by increased program and membership revenue. He reported rising participation across programs and memberships, with non-resident users paying higher rates.

DiPinto said the department reduced its request earlier in the process and described the proposal as revenue-neutral. Selectpersons discussed rising costs tied to wages, overtime related to snow removal, and grounds maintenance.

The commission’s capital plan totals just over $1 million and includes multiple facility, equipment and accessibility projects. Among the largest items discussed were replacement of the Ballard Park playground, improvements to parking at the Recreation Center, long-term planning for expansion of the Wellness Center, and field and irrigation system upgrades.

DiPinto said the department intends to seek grants and private donations to offset some capital costs and committed to keeping the overall request below $2 million if anticipated grant funding does not materialize.

The meeting concluded with a brief general budget discussion and a unanimous vote to adjourn.

Additional departmental budget reviews are scheduled in the coming weeks before the proposed budget advances to the Board of Finance.