Ridgefield Board Of Finance Hears Public Input On Budget Ahead Of Final Decisions

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Board of Finance heard a mix of support and concern over spending, taxes and long-term planning during a public hearing March 23, as officials prepare to finalize a proposed fiscal year 2027 budget.

The hearing at East Ridge Middle School marked a key step in the budget process, with the board set to deliberate through March 31 before sending a final proposal to voters for a May 12 referendum.

Budget process enters final phase

Board of Finance Chair Mike Richter said the board will weigh both the town and Board of Education budgets against projected revenues and long-term financial conditions.

“The finalization of the budget now sits with Board of Finance,” Richter said, noting the board has authority to set overall spending levels but not line-item details.

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He outlined a timeline that includes budget workshops this week, with final votes expected March 31.

Officials said Ridgefield remains in strong financial condition, citing high tax collection rates, continued surpluses and a triple-A bond rating. The town recorded a $1.6 million surplus in the last fiscal year, boosting its unassigned fund balance to about 12.3 percent of the budget.

At the same time, Richter warned of pressures ahead, including rising debt service, declining investment income and ongoing capital needs.

“If we want to keep inflation under control this year, we think the budgets need to come in this two-and-a-half- to 3 percent range,” he said.

Officials highlight rising costs and capital demands

First Selectperson Rudy Marconi presented a town budget proposal with a 2.96 budget increase, citing higher infrastructure costs, capital projects and debt service tied to school and facility improvements.

Marconi said the town is facing growing capital demands, including repairs to police and fire facilities and future decisions on a new public safety building.

“We do have other projects like a police safety facility … we’re going to have to spend money somewhere to address that issue,” he said.

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Board of Education Superintendent Susie Da Silva presented a proposed 4.62 percent school budget increase, describing it as focused on maintaining current programs and meeting legal obligations.

“The fiscal year '27 budget is grounded in a single, consistent message, protecting the core of what students need,” she said.

Da Silva said about 78 percent of the school budget is tied to salaries and benefits, with additional costs driven by special education requirements, utilities and contractual obligations.

Public comments reflect divide on spending

Residents offered sharply differing views on the proposed budgets.

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Several speakers urged the board to reduce spending, citing concerns about rising taxes, an aging population and long-term affordability.

Resident Sean McEvoy called for greater transparency and long-term planning.

"This year's capital budget includes nearly $1.8 million of emergency repairs to police and fire buildings, roof drainage, communication systems," McEvoy said. "Those are not improvements. This is a bill for two decades of not maintaining what we own."

He also urged the town to conduct a comprehensive facilities assessment and create a dedicated capital maintenance reserve.

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Others warned that continued spending increases could burden taxpayers, particularly seniors.

“I feel I’m speaking for the people … that outnumber the students in this town,” resident John Tartaglia said. "One cannot ask the elderly, the people that do not have children in the school district, to increase the burden upon them all the time."

Some residents also pointed to declining school enrollment and questioned whether staffing levels should be adjusted.

Supporters push to maintain education funding

Other speakers backed the Board of Education’s proposal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining school quality.

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Mary Ellen Foley, a Ridgefield High School teacher and union president, said cuts would affect all students and staff.

“Our schools are ecosystems, and when you reduce support in one area, the pressure inevitably … impacts our ecosystem,” she said.

Parents also highlighted the role of schools in attracting families to the town and supporting students with special education needs.

Caitlin Kinast said she moved her family from Seattle to Ridgefield specifically for the public school system.

"The services, the programs, everything that every teacher, every principal puts into our schools, is amazing. And so I feel like if they're asking for this money, [it's] for a good reason," she said.

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Others cautioned that focusing too heavily on short-term budget limits could lead to underinvestment in infrastructure and education over time.

Key issues: mill rate, capital spending, long-term planning

Board of Finance members said two major issues will guide deliberations:

• Mill rate growth vs. inflation: Officials aim to keep tax increases below inflation, though current proposals could result in a roughly 4.85 percent increase.
• Capital spending and debt: Rising capital budgets are driving increased debt service, which officials said could crowd out future operating needs.

Residents also raised concerns about aging infrastructure, and the need for long-term planning across town and school facilities.

Next steps

The Board of Finance will continue budget workshops this week, including joint meetings with the Board of Selectpersons and Board of Education.

Final decisions are expected March 31, after which the proposed budget will go to a town meeting and referendum vote on May 12.