Ridgefield Finance Board Reviews Budget Details, Flags Capital Spending Questions

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Board of Finance continued its detailed review of the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget on March 24, focusing on staffing plans, capital spending and long-term financial strategy as it moves toward a final vote later this month.

The meeting at Town Hall followed a public hearing the night before and included line-by-line questions on operating and capital budgets, with several unresolved issues carried forward for further discussion.

Town administrator proposal draws questions

Officials discussed a proposed new town administrator position, budgeted as a half-year expense for fiscal 2027 with the expectation it could become a full-time role.

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

First Selectperson Rudy Marconi said the Board of Selectpersons is still evaluating whether to create the position and is seeking input from officials in other towns before making a decision.

“We want to go through that homework and listen to them and take advantage of their experiences … and make a decision from there,” Marconi said. "Is Ridgefield ready for a town administrator? Do we need a town administrator? I guess, from my position, I would say we're getting there."

The proposed salary was estimated at roughly $180,000 annually plus benefits, with funding included in the budget in case the town proceeds.

Finance board members clarified the position would not require a charter change and would instead be implemented administratively, at least initially.

Operating budget largely steady with targeted increases

Officials described the proposed town budget as largely “steady state,” with limited new spending outside of the administrator position and a personnel adjustment at the golf course.

Related: Ridgefield Selectpersons Review ECDC Funding, Police and Fire Upgrades

Board members reviewed several cost drivers, including:

• Health insurance savings: Officials said shifting some employees to high-deductible plans helped control costs.
• Public safety staffing: Salary increases reflect step increases and prior hiring following retirements.
• Dispatch staffing challenges: Turnover remains a concern, with officials describing it as a “budget risk.”

Social services funding also increased modestly following requests to expand support for emergency assistance programs.

Capital plan prompts debate over scope and strategy

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the capital budget, which officials said totals well over $10 million — the highest level to date.

Board of Finance members questioned both the size of the capital plan and how projects are categorized, particularly design and planning work.

One concern centered around whether preliminary studies should be funded through capital or operating budgets, noting the town may be “paying for a study that doesn’t really have a project” if plans do not move forward.

Town officials said early design work helps Ridgefield compete for grants by making projects “shovel ready,” increasing the likelihood of outside funding.

Road funding structure debated

Board members also revisited how road work is funded, questioning the split between operating and capital budgets.

Public Works officials said changing asphalt quality and increased wear are shortening road life cycles, with some roads now lasting closer to 10 to 15 years.

The discussion highlighted broader policy questions about whether road work should be fully funded through operating budgets to reduce borrowing costs.

“Every time you capitalize something, you pay 40 percent more,” BoF member David Ulmer said, referring to long-term borrowing costs.

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

No changes were made, but members said the issue warrants further review in future budget cycles.

Major capital projects reviewed

Officials also discussed several large or ongoing projects, including:

• Ridgebury Road reconstruction: A multi-year project supported by roughly $8 million in state grants.
• Emergency communications relocation: A proposed facility to move equipment out of Town Hall to a more secure, permanent site.
• Parks and Recreation projects: Including pickleball courts, parking expansion and planning studies for future improvements.
• School and facility upgrades: Including roof work and energy-related improvements.

Officials said some projects are contingent on receiving grants and may be delayed or scaled back if funding is not secured.

Long-term financial planning raised

Board members discussed ways to reduce volatility in the operating budget, including potentially setting aside investment income in a dedicated capital reserve fund.

The idea, still preliminary, would help smooth fluctuations in revenue and reduce reliance on borrowing for large projects.

Next steps

The Board of Finance will continue budget discussions in joint meetings with other boards later this week.

Additional follow-up items include clarification of certain capital requests and further review of zoning-related planning funds.

Final budget decisions are expected by March 31, ahead of a town referendum in May.