Middletown residents urge council to protect Russell Library and staff as budget debate continues

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — Residents packed a hybrid public hearing Tuesday to weigh in on the City of Middletown’s proposed fiscal year 2025–26 general fund and special budgets, with repeated pleas to preserve funding for the Russell Library, protect municipal workers and avoid shifting the cost of unpaid institutional bills onto ordinary taxpayers.

Supporters and opponents of the mayor’s budget addressed the Common Council in person and online, trading concerns about rising living costs and the potential 2.7 mill-rate increase that the city is considering to close projected gaps. Chair said the meeting followed standard public-comment procedures, giving each speaker five minutes.

Many speakers framed the debate around services that residents use daily. Anne Percival urged councilors to “think about the library” and described free services — borrowing books and media, story times and quiet study space — that she said are vital when household budgets tighten. Tess Goodman and several other residents said they would support higher taxes if funds reliably sustain libraries and local education programming.

Union and city workers also addressed the council. Vinnie Ruffino, acting president of Local 466 City Employees Union, urged the council to set aside money for a facilities manager and to restore maintenance positions, saying deferred maintenance has left two municipal buildings closed and worsened fleet conditions. “We have holes in our roofs,” Ruffino said, arguing that neglect is forcing larger, costlier repairs.

Others pressed for accountability from big local institutions. Lucas Shavs said Wesleyan University and Middlesex Hospital have not done enough financially for the city, alleging an unpaid water-and-sewer balance by Middlesex Hospital of $437,000 and urging equal treatment for institutional delinquencies. Multiple speakers, including Emily McAvoy and Ethan Guterman, suggested the city explore progressive revenue options or press state lawmakers and local institutions to help shoulder municipal costs.

Some residents focused on budget mechanics. Ed Rubaha pointed to what he calculated as roughly $4 million in projected overtime and asked councilors to scrutinize whether overtime reflects necessary contractual obligations or management choices. Others, including Mike Fallon and Jenny Mitchell, warned against cutting community events and services they said define Middletown’s character.

Supporters of the mayor’s plan argued that the budget protects core services and honors contract obligations. Dolly Haddad, a high-school teacher, said the proposal “puts the needs of our community first” and stressed the importance of paying and retaining teachers and municipal staff.

The council clerk read two pieces of correspondence on file: one from Kristen Bridal opposing the budget and another from Mary Bartolotta noting a third consecutive year of tax increases and opposing further hikes.

The meeting ended without a substantive council vote on the budget itself. Ethan Guterman moved to adjourn; Emily McAvoy seconded, and the Chair called for favor. A voice affirmation was recorded on the transcript but no roll-call tally was provided.

The council will continue deliberations on the budget in future meetings as it considers adjustments and potential revenue measures.