STRATFORD – Mayor Laura R. Hoydick submitted her proposed fiscal year 2026 town operating budget of $266,046,133 to the Town Council on Wednesday, March 12. That reflects a 2.3% increase over the current spending plan.
“Since taking office in 2017, tax relief has been a priority,” the mayor stated in her message to the Town Council. “My administration reduced taxes for five years, kept the FY24 increase minimal, and maintained a zero-increase last year. For FY 2025-2026, we are holding taxes flat again.”
She pointed out the importance of keeping public schools properly funded.
“Special Education and appropriate funding for public schools has been a focus for all municipalities in the State of Connecticut,” she said. “I have worked closely with the Interim-Superintendent (Heather) Borges to fund the proposed school budget as requested … In addition, I suggest we add a Special Education Non-Lapsing Fund so we have reserves set aside should the cost of special education exceed the approved budget.”
The total proposed budget for Stratford Public Schools is $132,953,937, which is 1.8% higher than the 2024-2025 school budget of $130,527,214.
The top five expenditures for 2025-2026 would break down as follows:
- Board of Education 54%
- Employee benefits 12.4%
- Debt service/capital spending 8.4%
- Public Works 6.1%
- Fire Department 5.1%
“We are confident this will provide the necessary resources, infrastructure, and support to those who work tirelessly to improve the academic achievement and social emotional well-being of our students,” Hoydick said. “This budget is a commitment by the town to moving our students, our schools, and our community forward.”
Upon receiving the proposed budget from the mayor, Town Council Chair and District 8 Councilman Carl Glad discussed the process for the Town Council to review the budget through Ordinance Committee, with workshops covering the various Town departments.
“I am excited to start our budget process,” he said. “The mayor has submitted a budget that continues to support the services our community needs and fully funds the Board of Education proposal without raising taxes. I look forward to working with all of the members of the Council to go through the details and approve a budget that continues to move Stratford in a positive direction.”
During a special meeting Wednesday night the council was expected to advance the proposed budget to the Ordinance Committee to begin the hearing process. That will include several budget workshops, of which the one on the school board’s spending plan was held Wednesday night.
“I am appreciative of Mayor Hoydick’s continued dedication to moving the Town of Stratford and its school system forward while being responsible to Stratford’s taxpayers,” said Ordinance Committee Chair Alan Llewelyn. “Her recommendation of introducing a Special Education Non-Lapsing Fund is a sensible approach to ensure we have a safety net, in the event that Pupil Services / Special Education costs exceed the approved budget.”
Mr. Lllewelyn noted, “As a housekeeping reminder, budget workshops are currently scheduled to be held at the Baldwin Center; however, the schedule and location of the workshops are subject to change. I encourage anyone interested in attending to please check the Master Town Calendar under the Calendars tab at stratfordct.gov for the most accurate and up-to-date information.”
