New Britain council adopts amended budget to bolster schools and library; general fund passes 8–7

New Britain — The New Britain Common Council on May 28 approved an amendment to the mayor’s proposed budget that shifts money into operating education accounts and boosts library funding, then adopted the general, special revenue and enterprise budgets and the capital improvement list.

The action followed a lengthy public-comment period in which residents, library staff and community groups urged the council to protect city services rather than prioritize a modest property-tax cut. "I care deeply for this essential public institution" and "I'm here today to advocate that you fully fund the library at the proposed budget increase of 8%," said Jason Velani, a reference librarian at the New Britain Public Library and the library chapter’s CSEA local president.

Why it matters: Councilmembers debating the amendment said moving money from 'nonoperating' accounts into the operating budget would guarantee support for schools year‑to‑year rather than requiring the school district to request one-time grants. "It does require an extra request. However, in my time those requests have been granted," Dr. Tony Gasper, superintendent of New Britain schools, told the council. Proponents argued the change would make funding immediately available for paraeducators and other staff shortages the schools face.

What the amendment did: Alderman Adriana Santiago (speaker recorded as Alderman Santiago) proposed shifting $1,100,000 from a nonoperating education line into the operating budget, removing two unfilled city positions (a revenue-collection specialist and an economic-development coordinator) and reducing the 'Celebrating New Britain' line from $100,000 to $50,000. The amendment’s sponsors described total savings of roughly $195,000, directing $20,000 to housing-prevention/community-services and the remaining approximately $175,000 to the library line.

Council debate: Opponents raised concerns about eliminating positions that carry union and supervisory responsibilities. "That is a union position that comes with supervisory requirements," Alderman Smedley said regarding the revenue-collection specialist. Smedley also corrected a public comment suggesting bus-driver layoffs had been caused by the city: "That is not actually the case. The bus contract was recently renewed by the Board of Education for a three-year term for $34,000,000," he said. Supporters countered that the city should prioritize services that sustain teachers, paraeducators and library staff.

Roll-call votes and outcomes: The council approved the amendment in a voice vote and then adopted the general fund budget as amended on a formal roll-call, 8–7. The council also adopted the special revenue and enterprise funds budget and the capital improvement program (LOSIP) by roll-call (15–0). The clerk recorded individual yes/no votes on the general fund as amended.

Statements from advocates: Alicia Strong, speaking for the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition, said the group had gathered about 150 signatures asking the council to "fund our schools, fund our libraries, and fund housing." Multiple speakers, including former library board member Anne Spire, described the library as a hub for job-search help, makerspace programs and a warm place for residents in need.

What’s next: The budgets approved tonight set appropriations for fiscal year 2025–26. Council members and staff noted that some transfers and grant releases will require further administrative steps; moving funds from nonoperating to operating was presented as a way to guarantee continuing funding for schools without relying on repeated annual requests.

Votes at a glance: - General fund budget (item 3), as amended: Adopted on roll call, 8–7 (clerk recorded individual yes/no votes). - Special revenue and enterprise funds budget (item 4): Adopted by roll call, 15–0. - Capital improvement projects / LOSIP (item 5): Adopted by roll call, 15–0.

The special meeting convened at 6:55 p.m. and adjourned at 7:58 p.m.