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Cheshire adopts $155.6 million FY 2026–27 budget, sets mill rate at 31.68 mills
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Summary
The Town of Cheshire on April 28 adopted its FY 2026–27 budgets — general fund, water pollution control and community pool — setting a mill rate of 31.68 mills. Council debate focused on whether to draw additional reserve funds to lower taxes amid uncertain state aid.
The Town of Cheshire adopted its fiscal year 2026–27 budgets on April 28, setting a combined general fund appropriation that rolls up to $155,550,533 and a tax rate of 31.68 mills.
Budget Chair Fiona Pearson presented the package and said the council and administration made $3,138,500 in adjustments from initial proposals before adoption. "From the budgets originally presented by superintendent Solon and town manager Kimball, the town council and board of education made adjustments that totaled $3,138,500," Pearson said.
The vote follows substantial debate over the use of the town's fund balance. Councilor Don Walsh proposed an amendment to reduce taxes by taking an additional $1,000,000 from reserves — lowering the fund balance toward 11.4% — as a short-term tax relief measure. "I would like to make an amendment that we take an additional $1,000,000 off our fund balance, bringing it down to 11.4%, which is still above the 10% necessary in order to bring the taxes lower for the taxpayer in this community," Walsh said. The amendment was seconded but failed on the council floor.
Opponents, including Pearson and other councilors, cautioned that the state is still in session and any additional municipal aid is uncertain. Pearson said one-time funds risk creating a structural shortfall next year and noted the council had factored an estimated $250,000 in anticipated state aid into the budget. "There was an announcement today," Pearson said, referencing state-level municipal aid, but urged caution about relying on funds that had not yet been finalized.
The council approved the general government components and subsidiary votes in sequence. Recorded tallies in the meeting minutes show the general government vote carried 7–2 and the roll-up motion that set the mill rate passed 7–2. The roll-up resolution sets tax payment schedules (motor vehicle/personal property due in one payment on July 1, 2026; real estate in two equal payments due 07/01/2026 and 01/01/2027) and cites Connecticut statutory payment deadlines and interest calculations.
The Board of Education operating budget — set at $99,849,080 in the adopted package — was the subject of a late amendment attempt. Councilor Velleber moved to reduce the BOE appropriation by $400,000, arguing the adjustment could be absorbed without staff cuts. The amendment failed. The BOE budget resolution then passed by a recorded vote of 5–3–1.
The adopted package also includes the Water Pollution Control Fund appropriation ($5,246,661) and the Community Pool Fund appropriation ($1,298,464). On the sewer charge, the council recommended the Water Pollution Control Authority consider setting the sewer-use charge at $495 per year (a $5 increase) effective Dec. 1, 2026; the WPCA, not the council, has authority to set that fee.
Mayor Talbot closed the meeting after the final votes; the council thanked staff, department heads and residents for input during a lengthy budget season. The budget takes effect for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026, subject to the usual tax-collection procedures and any state actions that might affect municipal aid.
The council did not adopt any additional conditions tied to state aid; officials said they will continue advocacy in Hartford and assess adjustments as needed once state allocations are finalized.
