politicsliberal
Town Budget Talk: Residents Voice Up on Spending and Taxes
Ridgefield, CT, USATuesday, March 24, 2026
The Ridgefield Board of Finance convened at East Ridge Middle School on March 23 to gather community input before finalizing its budget plan. The board will then send the proposal to voters for a May 12 ballot.
Key Points from the Meeting
- Scope of Authority
- Chair Mike Richter clarified that while the board sets overall spending, it does not dictate every line item.
- Financial Snapshot
- Ridgefield enjoys a solid fiscal footing: high tax collection, surpluses, and a top‑tier bond rating.
- Last year’s surplus of $1.6 million increased the reserve to roughly 12% of the budget.
- Challenges include rising debt service costs, declining investment income, and growing capital needs.
Proposals on the Table
| Presenter | Proposed Increase | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Rudy Marconi (Selectperson) | 2.96 % | Infrastructure, capital projects, debt service for school and facility upgrades; new police & fire facilities |
| Susie Da Silva (Superintendent) | 4.62 % | Core programs, legal obligations; 78% of school budget covers salaries and benefits plus special education, utilities, contracts |
Community Feedback
- Concerns: Some residents urged spending cuts due to worries about rising taxes, an aging population, and long‑term affordability.
- Support: Others defended the school budget, arguing that cuts would harm students, staff, and the town’s attractiveness to families.
The board will weigh projected revenue against long‑term goals before presenting the final plan to voters.
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