Granby Board of Finance forwards $59.9 million FY2026-27 budget to April 20 referendum

The Town of Granby Board of Finance voted unanimously on April 6 to approve the town and Board of Education budgets and forward a $59,866,813 FY2026-27 spending package to a public referendum on April 20, 2026.

Board of Finance Chairman Michael Guarco opened the public hearing and outlined the proposal, which the materials describe as a combined municipal and education plan that would increase the town mill rate from 34.21 to 35.03, a 2.40% change. The town operating budget totals $18,890,379 (a 2.41% increase), and the Board of Education presented an operating request of $40,816,434 (a 3.55% increase). Together, the general-fund components listed by the board total $59,866,813.

The Board cited payroll increases, capital funding and general government costs as primary budget drivers. Town schedules show payroll rising to $7,156,247 (a 3.46% increase) while medical and fringe benefits are projected to decrease by $116,387 (5.84%). The Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund includes allocations for road maintenance ($1,115,000) and rolling stock ($855,628) in FY27.

Board of Selectmen First Selectman Mark Fiorentino presented the municipal budget and highlighted strategic goals such as maintaining a minimum 15% unassigned fund balance, exploring alternative revenue sources, and advancing capital planning, including a potential capital bond package and completion of an emergency radio communications project. Monica Logan, chairman of the Board of Education, outlined BOE spending and revenue sources and said the BOE is pursuing a third-party study of staffing and operations, forming a subcommittee to improve town–district collaboration, and exploring partnerships with neighboring districts.

Logan summarized district performance and fiscal returns, stating the district reports 80% student proficiency in reading and math (average score 524, up three points), kindergarten literacy at 90% benchmark, program savings of over $700,000 in tuition and transportation, a $1.28 million revenue increase over three years, and a 58% drop in teacher exits over three years. Those claims were presented as BOE reporting; no formal independent verification was offered at the hearing.

A multi-hour public comment period recorded several residents in support of the budget and several in opposition. Supporters, identified by name in the minutes, included John Limeburner and others; opponents included Beth Carroll, Lynn Krauss and Maureen Eberly. The minutes record names and addresses of commenters but do not quote extended verbatim remarks.

After public comment, the Board reconvened for its regular meeting. On a motion by Toby Proctor, seconded by William Kennedy, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the FY2026-27 budget as presented at the public hearing and forward it to the April 20 referendum. The board also approved the following ballot question, as reviewed and cleared by Town Attorney Richard Roberts: "Shall the Annual Budget Referendum for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year as recommended by the Board of Finance, including appropriations from the General Fund, Dog Fund, Local Capital Improvement Program Fund, Town Aid Road Fund, Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund, Sewer Utility Fund, Recreation Events Fund, Education Quality and Diversity Fund, Solid Waste Fund, and Other Funds be adopted?"

The Board also handled routine business: it corrected and approved the March 23, 2026 meeting minutes, appointed CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP as the independent auditor for the FY2025-26 audit in compliance with Connecticut General Statutes §§ 7-396 and 4-232, and set contingency dates: if the budget fails on April 20 the Board will meet April 21 to discuss next steps; if the budget passes the Board will set the mill rate at its regular meeting on April 27.

The Board voted unanimously on the listed motions and adjourned at 9:58 p.m.