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Suffield approves $70.1 million FY 2026–27 budget; mill rate set at 24.10
Summary
At a May 6 special town meeting, Suffield voters approved the Town’s $70,099,303 Fiscal Year 2026–27 General Fund budget and a mill rate of 24.10, a package that raises $49,047,085 from property taxes and passes by voice vote with one dissent.
Suffield’s Special Town Meeting on May 6 adopted the Town’s Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget, approving total General Fund expenditures of $70,099,303 and a mill rate of 24.10, which the Board of Finance said will produce the revenue needed given an estimated net collectible grand list and a 99% collection rate. Town Clerk Michele Urch presented the motion to approve the Board of Finance’s report and budget recommendation; the motion carried by voice vote with one vote in opposition.
The budget shows total expenditures of $70,099,303, estimated non-property-tax revenues of $21,052,218 and $49,047,085 to be raised from property taxes. The Board of Finance explained that the recommended mill rate reflects a net collectible grand list of roughly $2.035 billion and a targeted 99% collection rate. The typical annual tax bill for a sample property (market value $400,000; assessed value $280,000) is listed at $6,748 under the proposed budget.
Education accounted for the largest share of spending: the Board of Education’s net proposed budget is $43,692,148, an increase of $1,666,220 (3.96%) over the prior year. The Board of Finance and school officials said principal drivers include contractual salary increases, higher health insurance costs, and increased transportation and outplacement expenses, while staffing reductions were used in part to offset costs. The budget document lists salary and benefit increases and details expected savings and added expenses in specific line items.
Municipal operating expenses—general government—were proposed at $19,509,306, a roughly 3.8% increase driven in large part by wages and benefits. Capital expenditures are budgeted at $3,791,000 and debt service at $2,606,849; contingency was set at $500,000. The budget package includes transfers from reserve funds and other one-time sources; the Board of Finance noted reliance on a mix of fund transfers and a moderate use of reserves in the presentation.
Board of Finance Chair Eric Harrington, First Selectman Colin Moll and school leaders, including Superintendent Matthew Dunbar and Board of Education Chair Maureen Sattan, were invited to present the budget and answered questions from attendees before the vote. The meeting record shows the motion to approve the budget passed by voice vote with a single opposing vote.
The Town also authorized the Board of Finance to prepare and distribute explanatory texts if the budget is petitioned to referendum; those texts must comply with Connecticut General Statutes §9-369b and may not advocate for approval or disapproval. The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
What happens next: the budget will take effect subject to normal statutory requirements and any successful petition to referendum; the Town has authorized the Board of Finance to prepare explanatory materials in the event a referendum is triggered.
