The 2027 Budget Cycle Kicks Off

On January 20th the Board of Selectmen kicked off the budget cycle with a review of departmental requests to ensure fiscal alignment for the upcoming year. The board heard from various departments detailing accomplishments from the past year and budget requests for the coming year.  A highlight was the New Canaan Library presentation, where CEO Ellen Sullivan Crovatto reported over 1 million visitors since the new building opened in February 2023. Discussion focused on the future use of the 1913 building, with committees currently assessing community needs for the space.

The Selectmen ultimately voted 3-0 to forward a budget of $186.9 million for fiscal year 2027, which begins July 1, 2026. This would be a 3.3% increase over current spending with contracted salary and benefits increases for town and school employees representing most of this growth.

The budget process is currently moving from the department-level review (Board of Selectmen) to the high-level financial oversight of the Board of Finance.

Upcoming Dates:
February 3, 2026: The budget officially moves to the Board of Finance (BOF). Throughout February, the BOF will hold working sessions to scrutinize the line items.
March 3, 2026: A public hearing will be held for residents to voice their opinions on the proposed expenditures and tax impacts.
March 5, 2026: The BOF final vote.
April 14, 2026: After moving through the Town Council, the Final Budget Vote will occur.

What’s driving the current budget?
Education: The Board of Education budget (approx. $114M) remains the largest single expense, driven by contractually mandated salary increases and healthcare costs.
Public Safety & Infrastructure: Increased funding is being directed toward police department expenses and ongoing town maintenance, such as tree pruning and electrical upgrades.
Library Support: Continued town support for the New Canaan Library operations following its successful 2023 expansion.