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West Haven public hearing on FY26 budget draws mixed reaction over taxes, pay increases and revaluation
Summary
At a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, West Haven residents expressed both support and concern: supporters said the 2.6% increase is modest and needed for services, while opponents flagged large salary bumps, line-item increases and impacts from a state-mandated revaluation.
The West Haven City Council heard more than a dozen public comments on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget at a public hearing that focused on property tax impacts, department salary increases and the effects of a recent state-mandated property revaluation.
John Mistall, a West Shore resident, told the council he and his wife live on Social Security and worried they may not be able to afford rising costs. "There is concern, somebody like me and my wife, we live on Social Security," Mistall said, and he cited a number of line-item increases in the proposed budget — for example, what he described as an 11% rise in expenses tied to the city council, mayor's office…
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