In a spirited meeting at Stratford Town Hall, the Town Council unveiled the proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year, a plan that reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community enhancement. The budget, totaling $260,014,370, marks a modest 2.21% increase from the previous year, yet it promises no tax hikes for residents, maintaining the current mill rate at 20.2.

Mayor's remarks highlighted a collaborative effort involving department heads and community stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of efficient service delivery to residents and businesses. "Every dollar is allocated wisely," the Mayor stated, underscoring the administration's ongoing commitment to tax relief, which has seen reductions over the past five years.

A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to education, with a proposed allocation of $129,720,205 for Stratford Public Schools. This funding fully meets the operating requests from the Board of Education, ensuring that essential staff positions and resources remain intact. The Mayor, a former Board of Education member herself, expressed a personal connection to the schools, stating, "Much of the direction and growth of the town depends on the success of our schools."

The budget also addresses the financial gap left by the expiration of the ESSER grant, which previously supported staff positions. The Mayor reassured the community that the town is committed to providing the necessary resources to enhance academic achievement and support the emotional well-being of students.

As the council prepares to finalize the budget in May, the Mayor expressed optimism about continued collaboration with the school administration and the Board of Education. "This proposed budget represents a fiscally sound path forward for Stratford," she concluded, leaving residents with a sense of hope for the future of their community and its schools.