Submitted by David Weisbrod, Chair of the Greenwich Board of Estimate and Taxation
The Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) unanimously approved the FY ’26-27 budget, which now moves to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) for final review. This budget reflects a rigorous effort to limit the tax burden, maintain essential services, invest in critical capital projects, and establish a sustainable long-term capital and funding plan.
Key Highlights:
• Fiscal Discipline: The BET reduced the First Selectman’s initial budget by over $6 million, a more substantial reduction than in recent budget cycles. This was achieved through carefully scrutinizing budgeting practices and deep collaboration with departments rather than arbitrary cuts. Combined with the Grand List revaluation, the proposed mill rate is 10.12, making ours the lowest in Connecticut.
• Sustained Service Levels: Unlike in prior years, these fiscal adjustments are designed to protect and enhance the services our residents rely on. While overall headcount will be reduced, we followed the lead of Town departments and Boards and also invested strategically where provable need exists. The bipartisan BOE budget was fully funded without prior years’ friction. Productive dialogue among all BET members throughout the budget review process produced a welcome consensus, avoiding divisive last-minute confrontation, controversy, and public alarm.
• Infrastructure Investment: We funded several critical capital projects that the prior BET had deleted. Some examples include pedestrian safety (the Indian Field Road sidewalk), resiliency (the Dearfield/Grove Culvert Replacement), and quality of life (electric leaf blowers). We are also moving forward with larger projects, such as the Hamill Rink, Holly Hill redesign, and Roger Sherman Baldwin Park.
• Holistic Capital Planning and Funding: Through the combined efforts of the Budget Committee, Debt and Fund Balance Policy Committee, Town departments, and RTM representatives, a more rigorous long-term capital plan is emerging. In this budget, we took a vital first step toward addressing the ‘fiscal cliff’ by increasing the capital tax levy by $5million to a new level of $66million.
Looking Ahead
We have concluded a transparent and productive process where all twelve BET members made meaningful contributions. As we move forward, we are already laying the groundwork for the FY ’27-28 budget.
Our goals remain clear: maintaining the high standard of services our residents cherish, ensuring tax stability, and funding critical infrastructure through a thoughtful, long-term lens.
David Weisbrod
BET Chair