By Dionna Carlson
When I ran for First Selectman, I promised to keep residents informed and engaged in decision-making. New Canaan is strong because of its people—those who serve, volunteer, advocate, and participate. I want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be part of the conversation. That’s why I’ve made communication a priority—through newsletters and community engagement.
Budgets
Budgets may not be the most exciting topic, but they are the foundation of how our town runs. The Board of Selectmen approved a 4.67% increase to the General Fund Budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This figure does not reflect anticipated revenues, which we will have better visibility into later in the budget process.
The Board of Selectmen also does not have oversight of the Board of Education’s operating budget—only the Board of Finance and Town Council have the authority to revise it. The town’s budget is now under review by the Board of Finance and will soon be considered by the Town Council.
Managing our town’s financial future requires balancing priorities. While we continue investing in essential services like road maintenance and public safety, we must also be mindful of debt levels to maintain our AAA credit rating. With $23.3 million in proposed bonded projects for fiscal 2026, we must ensure that every dollar is spent wisely.
The Future of Irwin House
One project that has sparked discussion is the future of Irwin House. The estimated cost to repair the exterior of the building exceeds $1.3 million, yet even that would not bring it up to modern accessibility standards or renovate its interior.
At the Board of Finance meeting, Public Works Director Tiger Mann provided further insight: demolishing the building would cost at least $172,000, plus additional environmental remediation costs—still being assessed—will increase that figure.
Before any decision is made, there will be continued public discussion through the budget process. I want to hear from residents, what do you believe is the best path forward for Irwin House?
Investing in Roads and Infrastructure
Road maintenance remains a top priority. Some have suggested shifting away from bonding for road work and covering costs annually through tax revenue. While understandable, bonding helps distribute the financial burden over the life of the asset.
As Tiger Mann explained, road maintenance is ongoing—there is no point at which the work is “finished.” The cost of paving has tripled since 2003, yet New Canaan has managed to keep expenses down while maintaining high-quality roads. We must continue this balanced approach to avoid unnecessary financial strain on residents.
Local Control
If you’ve ever been frustrated by state policies that don’t seem to fit New Canaan, you’re not alone. Hartford continues to push legislation that undermines local decision-making, and we must remain vigilant.
One example is the proposed Work, Live, Ride bill, which ties state grant eligibility to zoning policies that may not align with our town’s needs. This one-size-fits-all approach disregards local planning efforts. I submitted testimony opposing this bill and will continue working with our state legislators to ensure New Canaan’s voice is heard.
Another concern is the proposed sale of Aquarion to the Regional Water Authority (RWA). While the transaction may seem beneficial on paper, it could lead to higher water rates, decreased tax revenue, and reduced local oversight. If you share these concerns, I encourage you to reach out to PURA (Public Utilities Regulatory Authority) at pura.information@ct.gov or call 1-800-382-4586 once a docket number is assigned. You can also sign up for docket alerts at PURA’s website.
Staying Engaged
There are many ways to stay engaged:
• Visit the town website NewCanaan.info for budget details, meeting schedules, and updates.
• Attend public meetings—your input matters. The Board of Finance public hearing is on March 4th, with a final vote on March 6th before the budget moves to the Town Council.
• Subscribe to and read my newsletter for regular updates on town issues.
We have challenges ahead, but with careful planning, community input, and a commitment to responsible governance, I am confident that we will keep New Canaan thriving.
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 February issue of the newsletter visit newcanaan.info and click on the yellow bar at top, News From Town Hall.
