By Anne White
New Canaan’s annual budget process is in full swing, with officials carefully reviewing expenditures and revenues for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-2026. This process is designed to ensure that the town’s financial resources are allocated efficiently while maintaining essential services and long-term investments.
Key Players in the Budget Process
Board of Selectmen (BOS): This three-member board, led by First Selectman Dionna Carlson, is responsible for initiating the budget process. The Selectmen review departmental budgets and make initial recommendations before passing the proposal to the Board of Finance. While they review the Board of Education’s (BOE) operating budget, they do not have authority to modify it.
Board of Finance (BOF): Chaired by Todd Lavieri, this board plays a crucial role in analyzing the budget, evaluating revenue projections, and considering potential adjustments. This Board can increase or descrease the budget.
Town Council: As the town’s legislative body, the Council has the final say in approving the budget. Members have the authority to accept, reject, or reduce the Board of Finance’s recommendations.
Board of Education (BOE): Responsible for setting the school system’s budget, the BOE works closely with Superintendent Dr. Bryan Luizzi to determine the funding needed for public schools. Town bodies cannot make line item changes to the BOE budget – they can only increase or decrease total funding to the BOE.
Where the Money Goes
The proposed $183.1 million budget includes:
$34.9 million for town operations, funding services such as police, fire, public works, and the library.
$114.2 million for education, ensuring continued investment in New Canaan’s schools.
$18.1 million for debt service, which covers payments on previously approved infrastructure and capital projects.
$1.7 million for tax-supported capital projects, which fund improvements to town facilities and infrastructure.
Key Dates to Know
The budget process follows a structured timeline, with multiple opportunities for public review and input:
January 30, 2025: The Board of Selectmen approved the proposed budget, forwarding it to the Board of Finance for consideration. (See page 3)
February 6, 2025: The Board of Finance begins its review of the Selectmen’s recommendations. (see page 2)
March 6, 2025: The Board of Finance will vote on its final recommendation before passing the budget to the Town Council.
March 13, 2025: The Town Council begins its deliberations, reviewing adjustments made by the Board of Finance.
April 3, 2025: The Town Council holds its final budget meeting and votes on the official budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025.
How Residents Can Get Involved
Public hearings: The Board of Finance and Town Council each hold meetings where residents can voice their opinions on budget priorities. Board of Finance public hearing is March 4 at 7pm and the Town Council public hearing is April 1 at 7pm. Both will be held at Town Hall.
Reviewing budget documents: All financial reports, proposals, and meeting agendas are posted on the town’s website (see also John Engel’s column on page 11 for more information).
Contacting officials: Residents can share their perspectives with members of the Board of Finance and Town Council before key votes.
A Balanced Approach to Fiscal Planning
First Selectman Carlson emphasized that while the budget includes a 4.67% increase over last year, officials are actively looking for ways to refine spending. (see her column at right)
One of the factors influencing this year’s financial planning is the town’s Grand List, which reflects the total assessed value of taxable property in New Canaan. The 2024 Grand List increased by 0.38%, a modest gain that impacts revenue projections and tax calculations.
Education remains the largest portion of the budget, with the Board of Education’s proposal (see page 2) reflecting a 4.6% increase over the previous year. The district’s funding priorities include maintaining high-quality instruction, ensuring competitive salaries for educators, and making strategic investments in school facilities.
Looking Ahead
As the town moves closer to finalizing the budget in April, residents can take advantage of public meetings and online resources to stay informed.
