First Selectman's Report: Budget Updates June 19, 2026
Budget Process Update Report
Last night, the Board of Finance voted to make reductions totaling $1,667,890 to the combined Town and Board of Education budgets and to recommend sending the budgets back to referendum - likely to take place on Tuesday, July 28. The cuts represent the largest cuts after a failed referendum since at least 2010.
In debating cuts, the Board of Finance agreed on bringing the proposed mill rate below the current rate of inflation.
The new proposed mill rate is 30.97 - an increase of 1.05 mills (3.5%). To the average residential homeowner, this represents a monthly impact of about $18.
Town Department Cuts
The Board of Finance made cuts to all major Town departments for a total Town reduction of $167,890.
Town cuts include
- Unpaid furlough days for all elected officials, department heads, and administrator's union
- Elimination of a seasonal grounds maintainer for parks, trails, and town facilities
- Elimination of a part-time custodian
- Elimination of part-time hours for the Land Use Office
- Elimination of the free public sand/salt pile at Public Works
- Cuts to road paving budget
- Cuts to tree removal budget
Various smaller cuts were made to department supplies, software, other miscellaneous items throughout the Town Department budgets.
Based on public feedback, these cuts do not currently impact hours at Cragin Library or the fire department staffing plan as previously discussed.
Board of Education Cuts
On the Board of Education side, the Board of Finance voted to reduce the BOE budget by $1.5 million. At a tri-board meeting on Monday, the Board of Education reviewed how they would implement potential cuts up to $2.5 million. The Board of Education also voted to begin reintegration of their Finance Department with the Town Finance Department. (Click here for the audio from the tri-board meeting)
At the $1.5 million level, likely impacts include
- Eliminate assistant principal at Bacon Academy
- JJIS/CES to share one principal
- Some office professionals reduced to 10-month work-year
- BOE Finance Department staff reduction as part of merger with Town Finance Department
- Elimination of library media specialist, paraeducator, therapist, and math teacher
- Teacher furlough days
Band and sports at WJJMS and JJIS are not expected to be impacted at the $1.5 million cut level.
The prepared cuts shown Monday potentially eliminate World Language at WJJMS. However, Superintendent Judy O’Meara stated today (see full update here) that she will work with the Board of Education and school staff to identify alternative cuts in an effort to preserve this program based on public feedback at this week’s meetings.
Based on the tentative budget calendar, a Town Meeting on the revised proposal will likely take place on Wednesday, July 15. Absentee ballots would become available the following day ahead of a Tuesday, July 28 referendum.
Tax bills using last year’s adopted mill rate will be mailed out for July 1 (last day to pay August 3, 2026) for the first installment of real estate only. Motor vehicle and personal property bills will be mailed out after a budget is adopted.
Acting Superintendent Judy O'Meara and I are Colchester residents and taxpayers as well. We know that every decision — whether it is a cut or an increase — impacts our community, our schools, and our neighbors. We will continue working with our respective Boards and fellow residents to implement realistic budgets that deliver services residents, students, and families rely upon, while also taking into account the affordability challenges many people are facing in their homes due to the rising costs of gas, electricity, groceries, and more.
Sincerely,
Bernie Dennler
Colchester First Selectman