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Easton BOF recommends $53.997 million FY27 budget; projects 6.89% mill-rate increase
Summary
The Board of Finance voted 6-0 to recommend a FY27 budget of $53,997,174, which Finance staff said could produce a mill rate of about 33.14 (roughly a 6.89% increase); members discussed possible cuts and requested an all-department review.
The Easton Board of Finance voted unanimously on April 7 to recommend a proposed FY27 municipal budget of $53,997,174 to the Board of Selectmen. Finance staff presented revenue assumptions and said the package, as revised, would result in a preliminary mill-rate estimate of about 33.14, an increase the board described as approximately 6.89%.
Finance Director Chris Calvert told the board the budget reflects projected decreases in Public Works, pension contributions, fringe benefits and debt service, producing a $53,997,174 total and the accompanying mill-rate estimate. Board members raised several concerns about line items that remain uncertain.
Board member Mike Gutowski warned that further increases to the Fire Chief stipend could trigger Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) implications and complicate overtime obligations. Chair Art Laske asked guest Dan Lent whether he had additional candidate cuts to propose; Lent said he had none. Board member Ira Kaplan proposed an all-department review of potential savings with a report back by Aug. 1, 2026; the board directed staff to coordinate that review with the First Selectman’s office.
The motion to recommend the FY27 budget to the Board of Selectmen passed 6-0. The recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of Selectmen for their consideration and for placement on the calendar for any required hearings and town-meeting action.
