BET Republicans – Harry Fisher, Chair, David Alfano, Nisha Arora, Karen Fassuliotis, Lucia D. Jansen, and Leslie Tarkington
The recent budget proposals from the Town of Greenwich and the Board of Education (BOE) suggested one of the most significant property tax increases in two decades, potentially imposing a 6% hike on residents. Given that Connecticut already ranks among the top ten states with the highest tax and energy cost burdens, such an increase would have further strained our community members.
However, due to thoughtful actions of Republican members of the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET), the spending levels for both the town and BOE have been moderated. Our efforts have effectively reduced the proposed tax increase from 6% to a more manageable 2.8%.
On the town side, where spending was closer to the inflation rate, BET Republicans proposed adjustments amounting to approximately $1.1 million. There were no cuts or adjustments to public safety. Regarding the schools, the Republican BET members engaged with the school administration to identify potential areas for budget reduction from the initially proposed $12 million or 5.1% increase, which far exceeded inflation. Initial discussions aimed for a reduction of $4.1 million or approximately 1.6% from the BOE’s proposed $247 million budget. Despite BOE administrators indicating some reductions could be absorbed without impacting programs, negotiations were ultimately rejected by the Democratic BET members, resulting in the retention of the original budget figure.
In terms of capital projects, BET Republicans reviewed several proposals to maintain our infrastructure and pursue necessary school upgrades. Notably, funding for nearly all the vital town and school capital projects were retained, including the $43.7 million Riverside Elementary School project, the $1.3 million Shore Road sidewalk construction and the $2.6 million cafeteria expansion at Julian Curtiss School.
BET Republicans remain steadfast in its commitment to serving all Greenwich residents. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget delivers essential services, upholds the excellence of our schools, and maintains our infrastructure at the highest standards. Our aim is to serve all residents—across every neighborhood and circumstance—with fairness, care, and fiscal responsibility.
BET Republicans – Harry Fisher, Chair, David Alfano, Nisha Arora, Karen Fassuliotis, Lucia D. Jansen, and Leslie Tarkington.