Early Simsbury Budget Calls For $508 Tax Hike This Year

SIMSBURY, CT — The first of many steps in the long budget process in Simsbury has started with a proposed spending plan that would call for a 1.3-mill tax hike for taxpayers.

Simsbury Town Manager Marc Nelson last week presented his town/school spending plan to the Simsbury Board of Selectmen, saying net spending would increase by 3.38 percent and taxes would go up by more than $508 for the median homeowner.

Nelson said the new mill rate would be 33.56 mills, up by 1.3 mills compared to the current 32.26 mill tax rate.

But, this budget unveiling on Feb. 10 was just the first of many reviews, with selectmen passing a budget to the Simsbury Board of Finance and, ultimately, voters having the final say in May.

Nelson said it was decided to present the budget earlier in the calendar year this time compared to past years.

"We're presenting the budget a little early this year," Nelson said. "It was suggested that the community could use more time and you could use more time for your review and I think that was very wise and we're glad that we were able to do that."

As it stands now, the net spending plan for 2025-26 is $112.34 million, up $3.68 million compared to current spending, according to Nelson.

Another key component in the budget proposal, according to Nelson's in-depth presentation, is $9.55 million in debt service payments for bonded projects.

School spending is also tentative, with the current 2025-26 education budget proposal standing at $89.56 million, which is part of the overall town/school budget.

School spending is projected to go up by 4.37 percent.

Selectmen Feb. 10 did not act on any aspect of the budget, with more discussions expected at the Feb. 24 selectmen meeting.

Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis said she didn't expect to be able to finalize a selectmen vote on the budget on Feb. 24, adding she expected a special meeting may be necessary.

"I don't know if we're going to be ready to make decisions as we're gaining information and going through everything unless we're going to be here for a very long night and don't want to sleep on it," Mackstutis said.

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, the town announced that selectmen would meet at 5 p.m. next week on Feb. 24 to go over the budget, with the regularly scheduled meeting slated for that night canceled.

For the minutes of the Feb. 10, Simsbury Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.

For the Simsbury 2025-25 budget season timeline, along with additional budget information, click on this link.