Politics & Government

Ridgefield Budget Referendum Set For Tuesday

Ridgefield residents will cast their votes on the $156 million 2022-23 town and schools budget on Tuesday.

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The town will hold its annual budget referendum on Tuesday, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Yanity Gym, on 60 Prospect Street.

The ticket price for the combined town and schools spending plan is $156 million, representing a 3.22 percent hike above the current budget.

The proposed Board of Education budget is $106.6 million of the total. The schools' plan represents a 4.79 percent increase over their current budget, and a shave of $197,409 off Superintendent Susie Da Silva's initial ask.

The main drivers of the schools budget remain a 90-student increase in enrollment in the 2021-22 school year, new trends in special education, an increase in students with disabilities and a focus on mental health needs.

The total proposed municipal operating expenses are $40.8 million, with the remaining $8.2 million covering debt services. Spending on the town's roads is slated for a $600,000 increase.