Cheshire adopts $146 million general fund budget, sets mill rate at 29.74 mills after 5-4 vote

The Town of Cheshire Town Council on April 22 approved the fiscal year 2025–26 general fund operating budget and set the town tax rate at 29.74 mills, a measure passed 5–4 after an extended debate and a failed amendment to reduce the Board of Education request.

Budget committee chair Jim Jenks, presenting the resolution (042225-1), said the council would appropriate multiple line items including general government ($40,733,462), debt service ($11,542,771), a $100,000 contingency and $500,000 in capital nonrecurring items. Jenks said the total sum of revenues, transfers and use of general fund equity for the fiscal year would be $146,000,547 and announced the town would set tax payment dates and interest accrual consistent with Connecticut statutory sections referenced in the resolution. “This has been a very difficult budget due to the loss of state funds, the end of ARPA funds, flat grand list growth, a rapidly growing school district, higher contractual…