Nearly 2 Percent Tax Increase Proposed For Fairfield Budget

FAIRFIELD, CT — The town budget season will get underway Monday, when First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick presents the annual budget — including a nearly 2 percent tax increase — to Fairfield's Board of Selectmen, according to a news release from Kupchick's office.

"In crafting this budget, I was mindful of all the sacrifices and triumphs we have experienced as a town and as a nation living through the challenges of a pandemic and the economic hardships that came with it," Kupchick said in the news release. "I am saddened by the loss of life in our town and heartened by our community’s resilience that makes Fairfield a great place for families, for seniors to retire, and for businesses to grow."

Kupchick's 2021-22 budget — which, if adopted unchanged, will result in a 1.98 percent tax increase — uses grand list growth to replenish accounts that subsidized the decision not to increase taxes in 2020-21, according to the news release. The budget also ensures the town’s long-term liabilities are once again fully funded.

READ MORE: To read the full budget, click here.

"I am proud to report that my administration has made great strides over this past year, in changing the culture in Town Hall," Kupchick said in the news release. "My reorganization plan, as reflected in this budget, will continue to provide for a realignment of staffing. These reorganization efforts will enable town government to be more efficient and responsive to taxpayer needs, while at the same time reducing the number of people working in government."

The proposed budget also includes a $7.5 million — or 4.1 percent — increase in education spending, which is the second highest dollar increase in a decade, according to the news release. The Board of Education in its proposed budget is seeking a nearly $10 million increase.

"Our residents cannot afford a nearly 6 percent increase to the Board of Education budget, which is almost three times the rate of inflation," Kupchick said in the news release.

"During last year’s budget process, I called upon the Board of Education and superintendent to reorganize and restructure, as I have done with town government. I am renewing my offer to the school administration to work with my administration and other town bodies in the coming year to address structural cost drivers as the education funding amounts to two-thirds of the total town budget."