Simsbury's 2025-26 Budget: What's the Deal with the $508 Tax Hike?

Simsbury is looking at a potential tax increase for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed budget for 2025-26 suggests that the average homeowner could see their taxes go up by around $508. This isn't a final decision, though. The town manager presented the initial spending plan to the selectmen, but it still needs approval from the finance board and, ultimately, the voters. The proposed budget is $112. 34 million, which is a 3. 38% increase from the current spending. This means the mill rate would go from 32. 26 to 33. 56, a 1. 3-mill increase. The town manager decided to present the budget earlier this year to give everyone more time to review it. This is a big change from past years, where the budget was presented later in the year. The proposed budget includes $9. 55 million for debt service payments. This money is used to pay off bonded projects. The school budget is also part of the overall town/school budget, with a proposed spending of $89. 56 million for 2025-26. The budget process is a long one. The selectmen will review the budget and then pass it to the finance board. After that, the voters will have the final say in May. This is a good thing, as it gives everyone a chance to have their say in how the town's money is spent. The proposed budget is a starting point. It's not set in stone, and there's still time for changes to be made. The town manager's presentation was just the first step in a long process. The selectmen and finance board will review the budget and make changes as needed. The proposed budget is a big deal. It affects everyone in Simsbury, and it's important that everyone has a chance to review it and have their say. The town manager's decision to present the budget earlier this year is a good one. It gives everyone more time to review the budget and make changes as needed. The proposed budget is a complex document. It includes a lot of numbers and details, but it's important to understand what it means for the town and its residents. The budget process is a long one, but it's an important part of how the town is run.