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Residents urge cuts and caution as Simsbury boards present FY27 budget
Summary
Public audience featured contrasting views: some residents urged deep cuts and decried 'pay‑to‑play' spending, while others — including the library board and the volunteer ambulance association — asked for continued support of services and explained operational pressures.
During public audience, several residents voiced strong opposition to the proposed spending levels while others asked the boards to maintain funding for specific services.
A resident identified as Joan urged the boards to demand a 10% reduction across department budgets and accused some municipal spending of subsidizing private interests. "The board of education should reduce their budget by 10% ... I urge everyone to vote no on all the budget as presented," she said.
Lori Boyco criticized what she called "pork" items in the budget and said the town should prioritize basic needs such as roofs and emergency heating over recreational projects. "This is insanity," she said, referencing large capital items that she believed should be deferred.
Other commenters supported parts of the budget. Holly McGrath, chair of the library board of trustees, said the library had undergone a zero‑based budgeting review that showed efficiency but that a cut of $23,000 to materials would be noticeable to patrons; she urged residents to support the library funding.
Board members and staff listened, promised follow up on technical questions (for example whether gifted‑and‑talented services are mandatory), and thanked residents for their participation. Officials said education grant reductions this year were relatively modest (about $130,000–$137,000 in one line) and that the district could absorb the difference using a non‑lapsing fund if necessary.
Ending: the board closed the public audience, recorded residents' concerns for consideration, and reminded the public that the hearing would continue April 21 to allow additional comment and final motions.
