By Dionna Carlson
As we move into the heart of spring, the annual budget process draws to a close. The Town Council has completed its review of both the Town and Board of Education budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. After thoughtful deliberation, the Council approved an increase of 3.47% to the General Fund Budget and a 4.24% increase in the amount to be raised by taxation. This ensures we can continue providing essential services while investing in the future of our community. The full Town Council Approved Operating and Capital Budgets for FY 2025-26 can be found at the Finance Department homepage at www.newcanaan.info/Departments/Finance
The Board of Finance will set the mill rate for property taxes at its meeting in June, and we will keep you informed as we move forward.
Town and Community Activities
Spring brings with it an exciting season of community activities! In partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Planet New Canaan, we are promoting Clean Your Mile from April 21st to April 27th. This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for residents to come together and help clean up our beautiful town.
Clean Your Mile effort has three key components: New Canaan families picking up roadside trash in neighborhoods; community groups scouring public spaces including parks and schools; and merchants cleaning up sidewalks, storage areas and parking spaces in the downtown village district. The Board of Selectmen will be participating on Earth Day, April 22nd, by cleaning an area around Town Hall. Whether you join with your neighbors, a community group, or your own team, let’s make New Canaan sparkle this spring.
Another beloved New Canaan tradition is the 34th Annual George Cogswell Memorial Fishing Derby on April 26th. A heartfelt thank you to the Police Benevolent Association, Highway Department, and Parks and Recreation Department for their continued support in making this event possible and free-of-charge each year. Mill Pond will be stocked with trout prior to the event, bait will be provided, and there will be prizes. Anglers aged 15 and younger are invited to participate. Join the fun and register at newcanaan.info and click on Departments, Recreation, Register, and Programs.
America 250 Celebration
Looking ahead, we are also beginning plans to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, which will take place between Flag Day (June 14, 2026) and Veterans Day (November 11, 2026). Two Lights for Tomorrow is the nationwide kickoff of the celebrations, and we encourage everyone to participate by placing two lights in your windows this Friday, April 18th, to honor the 1775 overnight ride of Paul Revere.
To further support the national, regional and local efforts to commemorate our nation’s 250th Anniversary, we have established a New Canaan America 250 Planning Committee with 18 members from across town organizations and chaired by Administrative Officer Tucker Murphy. The group is organizing a series of local events to honor New Canaan’s history, community spirit and contributions to America’s story. Opportunities for local organizations to participate include exhibits, historical reenactments, lectures, walking tours of local landmarks, participating in the Fourth of July Parade, showcasing art inspired by American history, and organizing town-wide celebrations. All events will be included in a New Canaan 250th calendar on newcanaan.info, and participants will have access to the official New Canaan 250th logo for marketing.
Finally, it’s not too early to prepare for summer! Be sure to purchase your passes for the Benko Pool, Mead Park Pickleball and Tennis, and Kiwanis Beach at newcanaan.info and click on Departments, Recreation, Register, and Programs.
Dionna Carlson is the New Canaan First Selectman. Her leadership is guided by a respect for local decision-making and a commitment to keeping residents informed and engaged. Read more from Dionna each month by subscribing to her email newsletter, News From Town Hall. To sign up to receive the newsletter visit newcanaan.info and click on the red bar at top, Sign Up For Alerts. To read the current issue of the newsletter visit newcanaan.info and click on the yellow bar at top, News From Town Hall.
