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02/03/2024 09:32 AMPress Release, Branford Democratic Town Committee
Democrats of the Branford Representative Town Meeting (RTM) are calling for a “No Tax Increase” budget to help taxpayers continue to recover financially from the pandemic.
Acknowledging that town services, staff salaries, and school funding increase every year, Democratic Majority Leader Tracy Everson (District 5) speaking on behalf of the 17 member Democratic Majority, cites the town’s $44 million undesignated fund as a way to meet financial obligations while maintaining the same quality of life for residents, without raising taxes.
“We have a ‘rainy day’ fund that keeps accumulating, and has now reached far beyond yearly recommended levels,” said Everson. “Yet the budget sent to the RTM for final consideration continually asks to raise more money from the hard-working people of Branford. We have an opportunity to use a portion of the surplus for a zero percent tax increase this year, and even next.”
Despite this surplus, last year property taxes in Branford increased by 1.5%, from 29.45 mills to 29.89 mills. Branford’s current budget totals just over $130 million, split almost evenly between the Board of Education and other town departments.
“We can spend wisely without taking more money out of the pockets of Branford taxpayers,” Everson added. “It’s the right thing to do."