First Selectman Denise Raap proposes $9.97 million Selectmen’s budget; residents press for more police coverage

First Selectman Denise Raap presented the Selectmen’s proposed operating budget of $9,974,395 — a 5.9% increase over the current year — at the Litchfield Board of Finance public hearing on April 23, 2026. Raap said the proposal would lead to an estimated 0.9% increase in the mill rate, and she noted the town’s grand list rose by 0.2%.

The proposal identifies several cost drivers: a new auditor (King & King), a projected 12% increase in health insurance, a $30,000 wage increase for the Registrar of Voters, conversion of the Assessor position to full time with a $103,000 salary, full funding of a pay‑per‑call program at $160,000, mandated continuing education for the Wetlands Commission, higher Town Counsel and litigation expenses, Probate costs, 3% contracted wage increases, increased liability insurance and growing unemployment costs tied to changes in the local school governance structure. Raap told the hearing these items together account for the majority of the Selectmen’s proposed increase.

On public safety, Raap said the town’s current budgeted amount for Resident State Troopers is $450,000 for three troopers. She presented the alternative cost of adding a constable at an estimated $250,000–$275,000 in the first year, noting higher initial costs are driven by requirements of the state police accountability bill. Raap also said the Connecticut commissioner of public safety has indicated Litchfield is high on the list for a third Trooper when one becomes available.

Resident Matt Tobin asked whether constables were included in the proposed budget; Raap replied there are no constables in the current proposal and confirmed the $450,000 figure covers three Resident State Troopers. Tobin also asked about a notable increase in the Buildings & Grounds account (3105); the meeting heard that the increase reflects a decision to hire an outside cleaning contractor rather than relying on town employees.

Treasurer Erich Marriott summarized the capital improvement plan, which totals $4,501,858, including $474,000 for Park & Rec, $3,272,858 for Public Works and $695,000 for Fire & EMS. Marriott said grants would cover $1,611,468 and pay‑as‑you‑go funding $500,000, leaving $2,390,390 to be financed through bonding. He said the town plans to borrow not to exceed $1.5 million to support the Litchfield Volunteer Ambulance (LVA) building project and intends to issue the proceeds to LVA as a grant to take advantage of the town’s tax‑exempt borrowing and lower the cost of financing for the ambulance service.

Resident Patricia Pfeiffer asked for details about the LVA project. John Pudlinski, chief of LVA, described the project’s history, said an existing grant is already in place, and confirmed the original estimate of $1.8 million has not changed. Pudlinski told the hearing that while the town’s $1.5 million bond includes a safety margin, LVA expects to use no more than $1.3 million of that borrowing and will contribute $100,000 of its own funds; the town holding the note is intended to secure a lower overall borrowing cost for the project.

Pfeiffer also pressed the board on police coverage, noting that Fire Protection costs rose 32% and saying the town still lacks sufficient police coverage. Raap responded that if budgeted funds for a third Trooper are not spent they would revert to Fund Balance, and she reiterated that adding a constable would raise the proposed budget by roughly $250,000–$275,000; she said the Board of Finance will determine whether to add that expense to the final proposed budget.

With no further questions, Board of Finance Chairman Sam Olmstead adjourned the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. The Board of Finance will consider the Selectmen’s proposal and any additions before making recommendations that will appear in the town’s final budget documents and hearings schedule.