Town Council Public Hearing on FY 2026/2027 Budget (April 21, 2026)
At a glance
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Hybrid public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 budget held April 21, 2026. Finance Committee Chair Jessica Buhle and Superintendent Jason Hartling presented the budget: total $73,555,506 (General Government $31,698,171, Board of Education $41,857,335) with a projected mill rate of 26.55. Public comment focused on the recording and potential transfer of Board of Education healthcare expenses from General Government to Education. The Council will consider comments and may finalize the proposed budget April 22; the Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for May 18 and the Budget Referendum for May 19, with contingency dates (second referendum June 9; final adoption by June 22) outlined if the budget fails.
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Key decisions
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- Presented proposed FY 2026/2027 budget: total $73,555,506 (General Government $31,698,171; Board of Education $41,857,335); projected mill rate 26.55.
- No formal vote taken at the public hearing; public comment period held (comments limited to three minutes).
- Town Council/Finance Committee to review hearing comments and consider additional adjustments; Council to vote to finalize a Proposed Budget on April 22, 2026.
- Set subsequent steps and schedule: Annual Town Meeting May 18, 2026 (7:00 p.m.); Budget Referendum May 19, 2026 (6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Registrar’s Office).
- Contingency process if referendum fails: second referendum June 9, 2026 (12:00 noon–8:00 p.m.); if that fails, Town Council to adopt a final budget by June 22, 2026 per the Town Charter.
- Public comment included concern about moving Board of Education healthcare expenses onto the education side of the ledger and associated timing and costs; Board of Education chair clarified superintendent evaluations occur through the BOE process, not at this hearing.
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Meeting information
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Town Council
Public Hearing - Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget - Hybrid Format
Agenda
- In-Person: Council Chambers Town Hall Annex Remote: Information noted below:
- Join Zoom Meeting from your Computer, Smart Phone or Tablet: https://ledyardct.zoom.us/j/85147626223?pwd=HeFQruBjX6VoXsUXdaTtpwbO3gQKXJ.1 or by audio only telephone +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 851 4762 6223; Passcode: 083327
- CALL TO ORDER
- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
- ROLL CALL
- PRESENTATIONS
- RESIDENT & PROPERTY OWNERS (COMMENTS LIMITED TO THREE (3) MINUTES
- CALL OF THE PUBLIC HEARING
- ADJOURNMENT
- DISCLAIMER:
- Although we try to be timely and accurate these are not official records of the Town. The Town Council's Official Agenda and final Minutes will be on file in the Town Clerk's Office.
- FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 BUDGET NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026 @ 7:00 P.M.
- Discussion and possible action regarding the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget.
- PROCEDURE OF THE HEARING
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