First Selectman Vicki Tesoro has presented her proposed budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025, laying out a strategic financial plan that prioritizes public safety, education, and critical town services while keeping the tax increase low. The proposed budget reflects months of collaborative effort and hard work from various stakeholders in the town's government.
The proposed budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 includes a total town budget of $204,543,321, with a 3.64% spending increase. It is recommended that the town use $1.55 million from the general fund (i.e., rainy-day fund) to reduce the tax increase for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to 1.96%.
“With my history of conservative budgeting and sound financial management, our unaudited general fund balance is projected to grow to a very healthy $32,400,000 by June 30, 2024. Given the impact of the state mandated revaluation in 2021 and the current economic climate, this is the appropriate time to return a portion of this rainy-day fund to our residents in the form of tax relief that will benefit all our taxpayers,” stated Tesoro.
Key budget drivers include inflation, contractual wages and benefits, education funding, energy costs, health insurance, pensions, and recycling and solid waste fees. The budget has a focus on maintaining a lean and effectively run government that supports the residents of Trumbull.
The proposed budget emphasizes the importance of investing in the present and future of Trumbull, with a focus on key areas that impact the community. Notable highlights include:
Education
First Selectman Tesoro, a longstanding advocate for education, proudly highlighted Trumbull's school system, currently ranked seventh in the state for its continuous excellence in both academics and athletics. The proposed budget underscores Tesoro's unwavering commitment to education, with a substantial 4% increase in school funding. This marks a cumulative investment of nearly $24 million in education during her tenure as First Selectman.
"I believe the investment in education, while balancing the needs of all our citizens, is critical to our community. This budget ensures that Trumbull remains a community of choice," Tesoro stated. “The 4% increase I am proposing, including additional ECS grant funds, reinforces Trumbull's dedication to providing an exceptional and well-rounded education for its students. The proposed budget upholds the town's commitment to fostering a community where education thrives, ensuring Trumbull's position as a preferred community for residents.”
Public Safety
In the realm of public safety, First Selectman Tesoro underscored the town's commitment to fully funding the police department, resulting in significant reductions in various crime categories since taking office in 2017. Additionally, a priority investment to improve recruitment and retention of police officers has been negotiated and restored, including a new Defined Benefit Pension Plan for officers hired after July 1, 2014.
"Public safety is one of my highest priorities. Trumbull is a safe community because of the outstanding efforts of our police, emergency medical services, and our volunteer fire departments. These are dedicated, hardworking professionals, and we should all sleep well at night knowing they are on the job,” said Tesoro. “My support is reflected in my continued commitment to ensure that these services are correctly funded. My budget for the next fiscal year upholds that commitment, just as it has done in every one of my budgets as First Selectman.”
Conclusion
First Selectman Tesoro expressed gratitude towards the dedicated individuals who contributed to the development of the budget. "This budget is not the work of a single individual, but the result of months of hard work and collaboration among the members of our town's government. I want to thank our finance department, department heads, employees, the Board of Education, and Superintendent Dr. Martin Semmel for their valuable contributions," said First Selectman Tesoro.
"I am proposing a budget that utilizes conservative budgeting and restrained spending to keep taxes stable while funding critical town services, including education and public safety," First Selectman Tesoro explained. "I am confident that this budget, if passed by the Board of Finance and the Town Council, will contribute to the continued success and prosperity of our wonderful community.”
First Selectman Tesoro concluded by highlighting the overall strength of Trumbull's community and expressing confidence in its future. She stated, "Our finances are robust, economic development is thriving, and our students continue to excel. Trumbull is a destination for those looking to live, work, and play.” She continued, "We have a town filled with wonderful people who consistently contribute to making Trumbull even better. It is a wonderful community, and I am confident in its future. Trumbull is truly a community of choice!"
First Selectman Tesoro's 2024 to 2025 Budget Proposal (PDF).