2.67% Tax Increase Will Meet Fairfield's Needs: Tetreau

The following is a press release from the First Selectman's Office:

Fairfield First Selectman Mike Tetreau announced today that after months of thorough budget review and multiple deliberations with his fiscal team, town departments and the Superintendent of Schools, he is proposing a 2.67% tax increase for fiscal year 2015.   

In putting together this budget, the First Selectman has considered the many diverse needs of our community. 

“While no one wants any tax increase, especially in this economy where many of our residents continue to struggle, the reality is that our town has essential needs that must be funded," Tetreau said. "This budget recommendation does fund our short and our long-term needs.”

The major cost drivers in this budget include Education, Pension, Capital Replacement, Paving and Retiree Medical expenses. Workers Compensation expenses are lower due to an increased focus on safety training and case management.

In addition, the Town continues to assist our seniors by providing tax relief so they can remain in their homes and continue to be part of the town they call home. 

The Town’s Administration, Police and Fire Chiefs, and Superintendent of Schools are currently working together to develop a plan to improve school security. As the school security enhancement plan has not been completed and costs are not yet known, the funding for the plan is not included in the proposed budget. The plan and associated costs will be completed and presented to town bodies this month.

The First Selectman’s proposed budget aims to balance the needs of Fairfield’s taxpayers while recognizing that our AAA Fairfield community thrives because it provides services that successfully meet the needs of the many diverse segments of our community who value these services as an important part of what makes our town a desirable place to live. The budget maintains the quality services and programs that are vital in keeping our town safe, well-managed and fiscally strong. The overall goal is to keep Fairfield the best value in Fairfield County.

Fairfield’s Grand List increased by only .41 percent. This increase shows that the Town’s local real estate market, while improving, has not yet fully recovered.  Fairfield’s non-tax revenue is showing improvement, but is still much lower than in past years. This means increases in expenses are primarily funded by an increase in tax revenue. 

First Selectman Tetreau said, “I want to thank our Town Department Heads for their hard work and cooperation in helping to minimize budget increases, some of which were painful, in order to help come up a realistic budget. Our department heads’ efforts were key in providing a budget that also minimizes any service reductions.”

On Tuesday, March 4, the First Selectman will present his budget proposal at the joint Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance public budget meeting at the Education Center, 501 Kings Highway East. This is the first among a series of budget meetings ending with the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) vote in early May.

The public is encouraged to attend the public budget hearings or view them live or On Demand by accessing Channel 79, the Town’s government channel, by going to the Town’s website and clicking on “FairTV Schedule” under the “More” section on the homepage. For a complete list of budget meetings, please visit www.fairfieldct.org.