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Fairfield First Selectman Unveils 2016 Budget With 1.64% Tax Increase

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Fairfield First Selectman Mike Tetreau is proposing a 1.64 percent tax increase in his town budget for the fiscal year 2016.

CFO Bob Mayer and First Selectman Mike Tetreau discuss the proposed budget.

CFO Bob Mayer and First Selectman Mike Tetreau discuss the proposed budget.

Photo Credit: Contributed

“I am committed to managing the town as efficiently and effectively as possible to help keep Fairfield the best value in Connecticut and to help residents who are struggling financially stay in Fairfield," Tetreau said in a statement. "This commitment to provide cost effective programs and services help make Fairfield a desirable place to live.”

Highlights of the first selectman’s proposed budget include:

  • A total town increase of 1.64 percent -- the fourth year in a row of declining increases and the lowest increase in the last 15 years.
  • A town-side increase of 0.77 percent increase over last year; the lowest town-side budget increase in 20 years.
  • Full support for the Board of Education requested increase of 3.29 percent.
  • The new mill rate represents an increase of $140 for a home with a median assessed value of $350,000.
  • A full funding of our Pension and Retiree Medical (OPEB) obligations.
  • A strengthening of financial reserves with a $650,000 contribution to surplus.
  • An increase to our Senior and Disabled Tax Relief program.

The proposed budget does not cut funding for education or school security, and it restores money to the town’s library and paving projects.

Tetreau is also recommending additional support for the Conservation Department, Finance Department and school nurses.

The town’s due diligence in managing cost drivers is resulting in decreases in pension, debt service, OPEB and workers compensation expenses, he said.  

“I want to recognize the dedication and commitment of our town departments heads and managers as well as our CFO and our Finance Department for their diligence in minimizing the increases in this budget while maintaining our town’s high level of services," Tetreau said. "I want to especially thank our labor unions for working with us to keep our long term costs under control.” 

The public is encouraged to attend the budget hearings or view them on FairTV online

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