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Greenwich RTM adopts $542M FY 2026–27 budget and approves bonding after committee reports and amendments
Summary
The RTM approved the Board of Estimate & Taxation–recommended $542 million fiscal 2026–27 budget, voted through two bonding measures and acted on several floor amendments, including a $100,000 cut for Roger Sherman Baldwin Park and retention of language about automated traffic enforcement funds.
On May 11, the Representative Town Meeting of the Town of Greenwich adopted the fiscal year 2026–27 annual budget (Item 3 as amended) by a vote of 170–13–1. The budget package as presented by the Board of Estimate & Taxation (BET) totals $542,000,000 (an increase of roughly 4.1% over the prior year) and includes a $92,000,000 capital program.
BET Chair David Weisbrod had urged RTM approval, noting drivers such as higher health-care costs (~$6.2M), elevated pupil‑transportation contract costs and a $5,000,000 increase in the capital tax levy. "We respectfully request that you view our budget favorably and vote to approve the fiscal year 27 submission," Weisbrod said during the meeting.
The RTM considered multiple committee reports and floor motions before the final vote. Notable floor actions included:
• A successful Budget Overview Committee motion to reduce $100,000 from the design appropriation for Roger Sherman Baldwin Park (motion carried 136–61–4). James Waters explained the reduction preserves $150,000 for DPW analysis of Parks & Trees building relocation before broader site work proceeds.
• Legislative & Rules’ amended budget resolution (No. 30) — which would enable certain receipts and grant‑type funds to be accepted and conditioned for specified transportation‑related uses — carried after debate (L&R amendment carried 174–6–7). An attempt to strike that resolution failed (79–107–8) after members raised transparency and compliance concerns tied to an automated traffic enforcement program; town officials said funds are restricted by statute and that a safety plan process remains pending.
• After the annual budget passed, RTM members approved the capital bonding resolution for $71,714,000 (vote 177–15–1) and a sewer bonding resolution of $1,225,000 (vote 186–1). Moderator Alexis Volgaris reminded members that each bonding measure required a quorum of 116 votes to carry.
Votes at a glance: Hamill Rink reduction motion failed 54–144–5; Roger Sherman Baldwin Park design reduction carried 136–61–4; GHS pool design cut by District 8 failed 34–162–4; budget adopted 170–13–1; capital bonding passed 177–15–1; sewer bonding passed 186–1.
What happens next: conditioned capital items remain subject to municipal‑improvement processes, final site‑plan approvals and BET-release conditions. Departments and boards (BOE, DPW, Parks & Rec, BET) will continue to complete design work, permit submissions and, if necessary, return for interim appropriations.
