Dear Fairfielders,
BUDGET RECAP: MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS
On Monday, the Board of Selectmen approved the Town budget. Selectwoman Kupchick, who voted against it, rightly stated, “Fairfield taxpayers deserve honesty and accountability when it comes to their hard-earned money. The proposed budget lacks basic transparency.”We appreciate Selectwoman Kupchick for standing up for a transparent budget. Taxpayers should be deeply concerned about First Selectman Bill Gerber’s plan, which raises taxes, overstates revenue, and cuts $2 million from the Board of Education. While some funding was restored, the budget remains uncertain and lacks clarity on critical issues. During the meeting, former Interim CFO and current Chief Operating Officer David Becker admitted that a Police Department request for staff funding was "lost in translation" and asked the Board of Selectmen to add the missing funds. This kind of oversight does not inspire confidence.Gerber’s administration has failed to explain how it will implement organizational changes, instead relying on questionable revenue assumptions and risky budgetary maneuvers. This approach creates an unrealistic picture of Fairfield’s finances.Taxpayers deserve honest budgeting, not one built on uncertainty and vague promises of “finding efficiencies.” Gerber must answer for this budget—Fairfield residents deserve better; after all, we’re paying for it.
Watch the BOS Budget Meeting Vote by clicking here. The budget now moves to the Board of Finance.
BOARD OF FINANCE TAKES UP THE TOWN BUDGET THIS WEEK
The Fairfield Board of Finance will begin budget deliberations this week, beginning on Thursday, March 6 at 7:00 pm. The agenda can be found here. To watch live on YouTube, tune in here that evening. The Board of Finance will deliberate the budget throughout March. For more details be sure to visit the BOF agenda posting webpage found here.
This Budget Relies On:
$875,000 in revenue from new speed trap cameras installed in designated zones throughout town.
$1.1 million in revenue from dissolving the Parking Authority, despite unresolved concerns about lease obligations to the state and the fact that the RTM has not yet fully vetted or voted on the dissolution.
$928,000 increase from a Grand List Motor Vehicle Adjustment (Car taxes)
an increased tax collection rate
State and federal funding now under scrutiny by lawmakers
This Budget Is Costing You:
35% salary increases for the First Selectman’s staff, including a $40,000 pay raise and a $100,000 command SUV for Chief Operating Officer David Becker.
10.81% increase in town retirement contributions.
66.67% increase in electricity costs for electric vehicles—without any reduction in the motor vehicle fuel and lube budget.
113.5% increase in the contingency fund, a line item appropriation used to settle union contracts.
TAKE ACTION
This budget is built on shaky revenue and escalating spending. If we stay silent, the tax burden will worsen after next year’s property revaluation. Take action now by e-mailing the Board of Finance to share your concerns.
We hope you find this information helpful. Please contact us at rtc@fairfieldrtc.com with any questions, we always welcome hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Laura M. Devlin
RTC Chair
Mike Grant
RTC Vice Chair