FAIRFIELD — The town’s 2025-2026 proposed budget calls for $380.9 million in spending, which represents an increase of $11.1 million, or 3.01%, according to First Selectman Bill Gerber. It would result in a 1.95% increase in the mill rate.
Wages accounted for 82% of this increase, the majority of which is unavoidable due to collective bargaining agreements, Gerber said in a statement dated Friday, Feb. 21.
Gerber said the budget managed to fully fund the services that residents expect and deserve. The budget provides for the financing of much-needed investments in educational facilities and town infrastructure, including HVAC systems for the schools, a deteriorating sewer system, inland and coastal flood mitigation projects, and roadway safety, he said.
“The town continues to invest in crucial public safety initiatives with its strategy to improve response times and service levels at the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center (911 Call Center), as well as more robust police and fire department staffing levels,” Gerber said.
“For the second year in a row, we have managed to keep the tax increase moderate while still providing exceptional service levels,” the first selectman said. “No department head was able to get everything they asked for, but everyone worked collaboratively with our office to ensure every tax dollar is applied most effectively.”
Fairfield Republicans decried a “lack of transparency” in Gerber’s budget.
“Budget season is here and First Selectman Gerber just released his proposed 2025-26 budget,” a post on their Facebook page said. “Released to the public early Saturday morning for hearings that start Monday morning, it’s not only late, it’s missing basic and critical information. (There are) no organizational charts, despite major personnel moves in the administration. This is shocking and unprecedented.
“We always warn of the dangers of one-party rule, and now we’re seeing exactly why it’s a problem. With Democrats holding a supermajority across all town boards, the RTM has become a rubber stamp for whatever the administration wants.”
They pointed to a budget line item of $875,000 in revenue from speed cameras they haven’t even been voted on yet. “How can we trust numbers based on speculation? Fairfield taxpayers deserve accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility,” the Republicans stated in the post.
The first hearing on the spending plan was scheduled for 10 a.m. this morning. Other hearing are planned for Tuesday, Feb. 25 and Wednesday, Feb. 26. It is scheduled to go the Board of Finance on March 6 for the first of six budget hearings at the Board of Education offices at 501 Kings Highway E. and via Zoom.
The RTM will vote on the budget in May, followed by the Board of Finance setting the mill rate shortly thereafter.
