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Granby Board of Finance forwards revised FY2026-27 budget to May 18 referendum
Summary
After a third public hearing May 11, the Town of Granby Board of Finance voted 6-0 to forward a $59.4 million adjusted FY2026-27 budget — reflecting $500,000 in additional reductions and a mill rate of 34.47 — to a townwide referendum on May 18, 2026.
The Town of Granby Board of Finance voted 6-0 on May 11 to forward a $59,416,813 adjusted FY2026-27 budget to a town referendum on May 18, 2026, following a public hearing and presentations from town and school leaders.
Chairman Michael Guarco opened the hearing and summarized actions taken after the budget failed a second referendum on May 4, 2026: the Board of Finance reduced the total budget by $500,000, including an additional $300,000 reduction to the Board of Education and $200,000 in revenue from supplemental state education aid. The revised budget, as presented, would change the mill rate from 34.21 to 34.47 (a 0.76% change).
First Selectman Mark Fiorentino urged residents to move beyond the divisiveness of the budget process and to work toward balanced compromises, saying the Board of Selectmen will focus on strong schools, public safety, minimizing tax burden and long-term mill-rate stability. He also said the town will pursue improved coordination among boards, updates to the Plan of Conservation and Development, and targeted zoning reviews to support grand list growth while preserving Granby's character.
Andrew Billig, representing the Board of Education, said the BOE is committed to school-climate improvements and fiscal transparency tied to a previously adopted three-board resolution. Billig told the hearing that the BOE was directed to reduce its budget by an additional $300,000 (bringing the cumulative BOE reductions to $525,000) but is not prepared to identify specific cuts yet because proposed reductions must be weighed against union-contract obligations and the longer-term impact on district operations.
The Board reviewed the General Fund recommended at the hearing: Town operations $14,479,306; debt service $1,836,073; capital $2,550,000 (including $1,000,000 for the Board of Education); Board of Education operating budget $40,391,434; total General Fund $59,416,813. Other funds presented included Education Quality & Diversity $1,123,769; Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund $3,641,960; Recreation Events Fund $1,009,313; Sewer Utility Fund $385,200; Solid Waste Fund $224,750; Dog Fund $25,800. The presentation also listed revenue sources including a current tax levy of $47,097,854, $8,358,197 in grants and other BOE revenues, and a $60,000 Fox Fund transfer.
On a motion by Toby Proctor, seconded by William Kennedy, the Board voted unanimously (6-0) to approve the adjusted FY2026-27 budget as presented at the public hearing and forward it to the May 18 referendum. Earlier in the meeting the Board approved the May 5, 2026 public hearing and regular meeting minutes on a motion by William Kennedy, seconded by Toby Proctor (5-0-1; David Demchak abstained). The Board later voted 6-0 to adjourn at 9:41 p.m. (motion by David Demchak, seconded by William Kennedy).
A public comment period preceded the vote; the minutes list 23 residents who spoke but do not record the content of their remarks. The Board scheduled a May 19, 2026 meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center to review the referendum results and determine next steps: if the budget is not approved the Board will consider further adjustments; if it is approved the Board will set the mill rate.
