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Mayor presents FY2026–27 budget with no mill‑rate increase and $1M boost for schools
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Summary
The New Britain mayor presented a priorities‑based FY2026–27 budget on April 15 that maintains the mill rate and increases funding for education by $1 million, funds sidewalks and infrastructure projects, and will be referred to subcommittees after council action to accept and refer multiple items to committee.
The mayor presented the proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget to the New Britain Common Council on April 15, describing it as a priorities‑based plan that holds the mill rate and existing water and sewer rates steady while preserving staffing and directing targeted investments in infrastructure, education and neighborhood improvements.
The mayor said the administration has faced recent operational challenges, including a cyberattack and an unusually harsh winter, and that reviews have uncovered “misuse of taxpayer resources” and revenue that was not collected. “Where there has been abuse, there will be accountability. Where there has been secrecy, there will be transparency. And where there has been complacency, there will be reform,” the mayor said.
The budget includes a $1,000,000 increase in funding for the Board of Education and a commitment of $250,000 for sidewalk repairs, plus a program of citywide transportation and infrastructure improvements the mayor highlighted by name: Willow Street Park, Allen Street drainage, the R Street streetscape, John Downey Drive, improved West Main Street connectivity, completion of the B Line Trail and Myrtle Street revitalization. The mayor also said the plan would deliver over 10,000 feet of new sidewalks across the city, reduce reliance on fund balance by more than $4,500,000, and fully fund debt and pension obligations. He identified a roughly $1,500,000 deficit in the cemetery fund and said the budget begins work to restore balance there.
The mayor said the administration is pursuing a one‑stop support center to help residents experiencing homelessness by coordinating housing, treatment and services, and that the city is seeking state partners and available funding to support the initiative. He also said the city will discontinue certain “giveaways to out‑of‑town developers” that he said cost taxpayers more than $1,500,000.
Following the presentation, the council proceeded through agenda items accepting the mayor’s reports and referring budget resolutions to relevant committees. Alderman Santiago moved to accept the mayor’s general fund report (item 1); the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The council then voted—by voice—to refer resolutions and reports on the general fund, special revenue and enterprise funds, and capital improvement appropriations to the committees on planning, zoning and housing and on administrative finance and law and public service. All motions carried by voice votes with no questions recorded.
The council adjourned at 7:03 p.m.
