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02/03/2024 10:27 AMLed by Representative Town Meeting (RTM) majority leader Tracy Everson (D, District 5) the 17-member RTM Democratic majority is calling for a “No Tax Increase” budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The full RTM is comprised of 30 members.
The RTM Democratic majority membership was installed with the start of the 2023-2025 term in November, 2023. Prior to that, the RTM was led by Republican leadership for 5 consecutive terms, 2013 to 2023. The RTM last approved a zero-tax increase budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, by a bi-partisan vote of 27-1-0. Last year, the RTM voted 22-2-1 to approve a 2023-2024 annual budget with a tax increase of 1.499%; bringing Branford to its present mill rate of 29.89 mills.
The budget process begins with the Board of Finance (BOF) review of the Board of Education and Town Government proposed budgets for 2024-2025 costs and capital expenses. The BOF-recommended budget is then sent on to the RTM for committee reviews. A full vote of RTM is then held in May to approve the final bottom line, after which the BOF sets the Town’s new mill rate. The new fiscal year will begin July 1, 2024.
A press release from the Democratic Town Committee proposes use of the Town’s $44 million undesignated fund as a way to meet financial obligations without incurring a tax increase, together with additional reasons supporting its stance. See the full press release here