A Message from the Bloomfield Democratic Town Committee on the FY2027 Budget

After weeks of intensive deliberation, the Bloomfield Town Council has voted to endorse a FY2027 municipal budget. The Bloomfield Democratic Town Committee wants our residents to know what this budget means and how seriously your elected Democratic leadership took every decision along the way.

This was not an easy budget and your Democratic Town Council met that challenge head on. The combination of the state-mandated property revaluation phase-in (which by itself will raise residents' tax bills 4.24% on average) and rising operational costs created a fiscal environment that demanded creativity and an unwavering commitment to doing right by our 22,000 residents.

The endorsed budget totals $119M, setting a mill rate of 34.55 and reflecting an overall budget increase of 3.51% (resulting in a 7.9% average tax increase). This was made possible in part by anticipated state ECS (Education Cost Sharing) relief. This is a meaningful acknowledgment from the state that municipalities like Bloomfield need support and a sign that our advocacy is producing results. The council will continue to monitor those funds and adjust accordingly before final adoption.

Education continues to be among our highest priorities. The council is allocating $55.9M to the Board of Education, representing a 2.91% increase of $1.6M over last year. The council heard directly from our students, parents, and educators and their voices mattered. Superintendent Youngberg has laid out a strategic vision for Bloomfield's schools and Democrats on this council are committed to finding a way to get our schools the resources they need to continue that progress.

Right-sizing town operations is equally essential. The council allocated a 4.43% increase of $1.6M to town government operations, funding departments to deliver quality services while eliminating inefficiencies that have gone unaddressed for years. Town Manager Al Schwapp noted that no prior council since 2019 has had the fortitude to act on a long-standing overstaffing study. This council began that work.

Accordingly, the town administration will be offering voluntary retirement incentives to eleven designated eligible employees. This was not a decision made lightly. The council chose this path deliberately to honor the years of dedicated service our employees have given this town, to treat each individual with dignity and respect, and to provide a thoughtful transition rather than resorting to abrupt layoffs. This process will generate over $1 million in recurring annual savings for taxpayers.

Additionally, the council authorized the allocation of $3M in unassigned fund balance to temporarily stabilize the tax increases due to revaluation and not overburden our residents.

Bloomfield is a great town we all call home. The council is committed to keeping it that way with robust services for residents, schools that inspire, and a government that treats taxpayer dollars with the seriousness it deserves.

The Annual Town meeting presenting this budget to residents will be held on May 4th at 6:30PM at Bloomfield High School. Your continued engagement is encouraged.