By Elizabeth Barhydt
The town’s budget process has moved forward in recent weeks with continued scrutiny of school expenditures, capital projects, and town department funding. The Board of Finance has been working through budget requests, weighing financial discipline against pressing infrastructure and service needs.
At the February 11 meeting, the Board of Education presented its proposed $114.3 million operating budget, a 4.67% increase over last year. Salaries account for the bulk of the increase, with total compensation rising by $3.31 million. The largest component is teacher salaries, which will increase by $2.675 million due to general wage increases, step adjustments, and the addition of two new positions—an interventionist and a classroom coach.
Turnover savings from retirements, which typically offset salary increases, are projected at $245,000, lower than last year’s $450,000. Healthcare costs and other benefits are also rising, contributing 83% of the total increase.
The finance board pressed the Board of Education to look for additional cuts. “We had sort of guided toward something with a three in front of it,” one board member said, indicating that the 4.67% increase is above their preferred target. The board suggested reductions of $500,000 to $700,000.
Capital requests also drew debate, particularly a $1.3 million proposal to upgrade the high school’s public address system to an advanced classroom audio enhancement system. The board also questioned the $200,000 replacement of the aging scoreboard at Dunning Stadium, asking whether private donations could help fund the project.
The New Canaan Library’s proposed 8% budget increase has been another point of discussion. Last year, the Town Council cut the library’s funding request significantly, forcing it to pull from reserves. This year’s proposal includes a one-time “reset” to stabilize operations and fund necessary staffing, maintenance, and digital resources.
Board members acknowledged the library’s growing demand—daily foot traffic has surged from 1,200 visitors pre-pandemic to nearly 1,800 today. However, they pressed the library’s leadership on whether this year’s increase would set a precedent for future budget cycles. Library officials assured them that future requests would remain within budgetary guidance.
The Board of Finance has also looked closely at town capital projects, attempting to balance infrastructure improvements with fiscal restraint. The town’s total general fund expenditures are projected at $183.1 million, a 4.67% increase over last year. Capital expenses are a significant driver of the increase, particularly tax-funded capital expenditures, which will jump 351% from $384,000 to $1.73 million.
At the February 13 meeting, the finance board reviewed the Powerhouse Theater renovation plan, including a $265,000 request to close the funding gap for Phase One of the project. The renovations include a new lobby, ADA-compliant restrooms, and an office in the potting shed.
So far, $850,000 has been raised toward the $1.65 million Phase One goal, with $725,000 in the bank and $100,000 spent on architectural and engineering fees. The $265,000 request would allow the project to secure a firm bid and proceed this summer.
Phase Two, which involves replacing the annex, is estimated to cost $1 million. A $500,000 state grant has been secured, but the remaining $400,000 must come from private fundraising. Finance board members questioned whether the total cost of the project, including exterior bathrooms, was closer to $2.6 million, $2.8 million, or even $3 million.
The board also raised concerns about accessibility compliance. The annex floor is four inches too high, meaning ADA-compliant exterior bathrooms would have to be built at an improper height if the annex is not replaced. Some members questioned whether funds should be allocated for the annex first. However, town officials emphasized that the lobby and interior restrooms were the priority.
The finance board signaled that it would likely approve the $265,000 request for Phase One while leaving the annex replacement unfunded for now. Private fundraising efforts will continue for Phase Two.
The Public Works Department presented a $1.165 million request, up from $565,000 last year. The increase is driven primarily by a $640,000 combination vacuum jet truck and a $690,000 cold storage building that has been deferred for over a decade.
Finance board members questioned whether the vacuum truck could be rented or shared with other towns. Public Works Director Tiger Mann responded that neighboring towns Wilton, Darien, and Ridgefield all have their own, and rental rates are prohibitively high at $3,600 per day. The state also failed to secure any bids for rental units in Fairfield County. Given the town’s permit obligations, the board agreed that purchasing a new truck was the best long-term solution.
Other capital requests included $125,000 to replace a 10-foot out-front rotary mower for the Parks Department and $35,000 to replace a deteriorating safety railing at the Transfer Station’s commercial area. ADA-compliant restroom and accessibility upgrades at Waveny Park were also reviewed, with officials emphasizing their importance in ensuring equitable access to public facilities.
Looking Ahead
The budget process will continue in March as the finance board refines its recommendations before sending a final proposal to the Town Council. Chairman Todd Lavieri reiterated the board’s priorities: lowering the tax burden, reducing bonded capital expenses, and ensuring that taxpayer-supported projects are carefully justified.
“We need to be sure every dollar is justified,” Lavieri said. “We support the schools, we support the programs, but we also support the taxpayers.”
The Board of Finance is expected to vote on the proposed budget on March 6, with the Town Council set to review and finalize the budget in early April. Officials will continue looking for cost-saving opportunities while ensuring that critical projects and services remain funded.
