Avon presents $118.6 million budget; council warns of service cuts if voters reject plan

Town of Avon leaders on May 5 presented a $118,623,207 recommended budget for fiscal 2025–26 and urged residents to vote in a referendum on May 14. The Board of Finance placed the question on the ballot and the Town Council said a combination of state-level changes and lost reimbursements reduced local revenue and forced a modest tax levy increase.

"This is as minimal a budget as is possible to put together while maintaining services," Town Council Chairman Dan Polhamus said during the meeting presentation, describing pressures that include a state-disabled-veterans property tax exemption, a change in motor-vehicle assessment methodology and the loss of roughly $850,000 in motor-vehicle reimbursement revenue. He said the town also faces a hole created by prior use of one-time cash to offset recurring expenditures.

Polhamus and Finance officials said the council seeks to maintain an unassigned (emergency) fund balance target of about 15% of expenditures—roughly two months’ operating costs—to protect against storm damage, relocation costs and legal liabilities and to preserve the town’s strong bond rating. "There’s an incredible amount of uncertainty about what the future holds," Polhamus said, urging caution in relying on one-time cash sources for recurring costs.

Council leaders warned that a rejected budget would likely force additional cuts or heavier one-time cash use. Polhamus identified likely targets as discretionary community grants, an added police position considered important for recruitment and retention, and services such as one day per week of senior center meals. He also noted that some teachers had been notified of potential reductions in force and that school decisions would be determined by the Board of Education.

The council said it is pursuing cost-saving options, including a proposed memorandum of agreement to regionalize 911 dispatch with Farmington, and is continuing to evaluate library hours and other operating adjustments. Polhamus encouraged voters to consult the budget materials posted on the town website and to attend the May 14 referendum.

The budget question as presented by the Board of Finance reads: “Shall the Annual Town Budget in the amount of $118,623,207 as recommended by the Board of Finance for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2025, be approved?” The moderator and officials stressed no final decisions are being made at this meeting; the question will be decided by ballot on May 14.

The meeting recessed and was adjourned at 8:46 p.m. pending the referendum.