East Haven Mayor Joseph A. Carfora Shares State Of The Town Address

Submitted by East Haven Mayor Joseph A. Carfora, the State of the Town Address:

Mr. Chairman, Mr. Vice-Chairman, members of the Town Council, our Town Clerk, Lisa Balter,
Members of the Board of Education, Board of Education Chair, Superintendent of Schools Erica
Forti, State Representative Joe Zullo, members of the Board of Finance, our Town Department
Heads, town employees; and, of course, the taxpayers of the Town of East Haven.
Welcome. I’m honored to stand before you once again to reflect on the past year and look ahead
to our future.

This year, more than ever, has reminded us that strong leadership isn’t just about making
decisions — it’s about making the right decisions. It’s about balancing what we want with what
we can afford, ensuring that today’s progress doesn’t become tomorrow’s burden.

Much like families across East Haven, who carefully manage their household budgets to weather
rising costs, we’ve approached running this town with the same mindset.

When times are uncertain, you tighten your belt and quite often it creates a burden on family
savings. — but you also make sure the essentials are covered.

Just like families who tighten their budgets and save for unexpected expenses, we’ve kept our
spending in check and built a strong fund balance — ensuring we’re ready for times like these
without placing more strain on you and your family.

Because of our financial restraint and strategic planning, East Haven is able to weather the
economic challenges that are also facing communities across the country.

We are all aware that the costs of goods and services are rising at a historical rate. We are also being burdened with cuts and unfunded financial mandates at the State and Federal levels, making this budget season one of the most challenging times for cities and towns across the nation.

It is my responsibility to make choices and decisions that are in the best interest of the town. My
team and I make those difficult decisions every day, and as a result, making East Haven a better
community for businesses and residents alike.

It is a balancing act between what we want…what we need…and what is most important to East
Haven.

Tonight, I want to take you through the progress we’ve made, the challenges we faced, and the
vision we’re building together —Each success is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated
town employees and our residents input.

Let’s start by taking a closer look at our fiscal well-being.

I’d like to start by recognizing the exceptional team and expertise of our finance department. We
have a focused team that deals in fiscal reality and in what’s best for our residents. The proof is in the results. One of the most significant achievements this year — and a true testament to our town’s fiscal discipline — is the recent upgrade of East Haven’s credit rating to A+ by S&P Global Ratings.
This isn’t just a number or a letter grade — it’s a powerful endorsement of the work we’ve done
to transform East Haven’s finances.

When my administration took office in 2019, we faced a tough reality: structural deficits,
mounting lawsuits, and an unstable credit outlook. But we made a promise to the people of East
Haven — to face those challenges head-on and restore our town’s financial stability.
Through disciplined budgeting, responsible policies, and a commitment to long-term planning,
we’ve done exactly that.

S&P recognized our efforts, citing East Haven’s four consecutive budget surpluses, increased
reserves, and stronger financial oversight as key reasons for the upgrade. This means lower
borrowing costs, better interest rates, and more financial flexibility to invest in infrastructure,
schools, and public services — without putting more of a burden on taxpayers.

I’ve spoken with municipal leaders across Connecticut, and the story is the same everywhere —
we’re all facing mounting financial pressure, navigating the rising costs of services, and battling
unfunded mandates handed down from the State and federal government.

These challenges force us to think smarter, work harder, and find creative ways to save money
while still delivering the high level of services our residents deserve. One solution we’re pursuing is joining forces with other municipalities to secure group pricing on sanitation services — a move that could save East Haven nearly half a million dollars annually.

I’ll be meeting with our Town Council soon to collaborate on this initiative, and I’m optimistic
that this kind of regional cooperation will help ease the financial burden on our town. I’ll keep
you updated as we make progress.

As I’ve already said, you manage your household budget — making tough decisions, cutting
back when necessary, and planning for the future — we’ve approached East Haven’s finances the
same way. Our hard work has paid off. Over the last five years, we’ve run smart, efficient
budgets, turning surpluses into security.

We’ve grown our Rainy Day Fund from $2.6 million to $9.3 million — money set aside for
moments like this, when our community needs relief.

I know how tough it is right now. I hear your stories — and I feel that same pressure. That’s why,
instead of adding more strain to your family’s budget, we’re going to use our fund balance to
bridge the gap. My Recommendation is that there will be no tax increase. Because you
deserve a town that works just as hard to balance its budget as you do to balance yours.

East Haven Police Department
This past year, the East Haven Police Department - Under the direction of Chief Lennon and
Deputy Chief Tracy continue to make impressive strides in public safety, technology, and
community outreach — all while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and
service.

The department introduced Star-Chase — a cutting-edge technology that allows officers to tag
fleeing vehicles with GPS trackers, reducing the need for high-speed pursuits and prioritizing
public safety.

One of the most impactful programs launched this year is LINKED, The Autism Safety
Project, designed to build trust between first responders and our autism and special needs
community. Families can voluntarily register, providing first responders with vital, personalized
information to ensure safer, more informed interactions during emergencies.

The department’s Police Athletic League continues to foster positive connections between
officers and young people. This year, PAL organized countless opportunities for engagement and
mentorship.

In an exciting showdown, our officers emerged victorious in the 2nd Annual Battle of the
Badges hockey game against the New Haven Police Department.

We’re also proud to report that the department successfully completed its CALEA annual
assessment. This ongoing accreditation ensures our police force remains among the most
professional and most effective in the region.

In an effort to keep and attract the highest level of talent, under my directive, our legal team and
our police leadership, and with the ratification of the Town Council, the Town reached a historic
Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with our police officers, ensuring our officers receive
fair and competitive compensation wages.

Our officers are more than first responders —They handle emergencies, de-escalate, and ensure
the safety of our residents — all while showing professionalism, empathy, and dedication.
Their work is demanding, often dangerous….I am committed to ensuring they have the tools,
resources, and support they need — not only to protect our community but to protect themselves.

East Haven Fire Department

The East Haven Fire Department, led by Chief Marcarelli and Assistant Chief Rosa, continued to show what it means to protect and serve. They responded to over 6,100 calls for service, proving once again their readiness and dedication to our community.

This year, the department became the first in Connecticut to equip all paramedic units with
LIFEPAK 35 cardiac monitors. — cutting-edge technology that improves how we treat cardiac
emergencies in the field.

On top of that, they secured a $174,000 federal grant to outfit every vehicle in the fleet with
Automated External Defibrillators, advancing our commitment to early intervention when
every second counts. AEDs were also added to key public locations.

The department didn’t stop there. Two new firefighter-paramedics graduated from the
Connecticut Fire Academy and joined the team, strengthening our emergency response efforts.

The Fire Marshal’s Office welcomed two additional certified inspectors to help tackle a
growing workload. And to ensure our firefighters stay at the top of their game, a Deputy Chief
of Training was promoted to oversee continued skill development.

Our firehouses also saw improvements, with renovations completed at Station 4 —which is
Bradford Manor Hose Company, ensuring better conditions for the men and women who work
there. We are also breaking ground and giving a whole new look for Station 3 in Foxon.

In our budget, I am setting aside funds for a much-needed new ladder truck. With the lengthy
build time, the new truck will arrive just as our current one approaches its 20th year — well
beyond the recommended service life.

This is a smart, long-term investment, especially considering the current truck has racked up
$143,000 in maintenance costs over the past five years alone.

Our firefighters are more than emergency responders — they are heroes in every sense of the
word. They face unpredictable, life-threatening situations daily, often running into danger while
the rest of us run from it.

To our firefighters/EMTs — and to your families, — thank you.

Recreation Department

I am very proud that the East Haven Recreation Department continues to nurture community engagement, promoting healthy lifestyles, and providing enriching experiences for residents of all ages. It is a cornerstone of my administration from day one.

We introduce fresh, fun opportunities that are evident — from revamped kitchen facilities
hosting cooking classes that empower residents to learn new skills and our continued partnership
with the YMCA, ensuring an affordable summer camp experience for local children.
ARPA funding has been instrumental in bringing exciting recreational improvements to life. The
new pickleball courts and tennis complex are in high demand, along with the development of an
all-inclusive playground designed to offer a barrier-free environment that children of all abilities
can enjoy.

Our ice and roller-skating rink is a centerpiece for community activity, welcoming crowds for
events, birthday parties, and corporate team-building outings. This year, the addition of a new
all-purpose inline floor will expand programming even further, introducing an In-line Roller
Skating League and a Women’s Roller Derby League — creating even more opportunities for
fun while increasing revenue for the town.

Our skating rink is also the home to our 2025 East Haven Co-Op Hockey Team, who brought
home a state championship just five days ago. Please give them and coach Lou Pane a big round of applause.

Also, congratulations are in order for the East Haven High School Varsity Cheerleading team for
placing third in the state and Our East Haven Co-op Marching band won their seventh national
championship.

The Recreation Department continues to grow and adapt, offering more programs, activities, and
special events year-round for all ages.

East Haven Youth Services

Our Youth Services Department is dedicated to enriching the lives of our young residents by
fostering an environment centered on education, fun, and personal growth. Through mentorship
and programming, we aim to empower the next generation to become thoughtful, resilient
leaders within our community.

One of our standout successes has been the growth of the East Haven Teen Center. With nearly 50 participants each evening, we’ve expanded into additional space at Hays School, creating a stress-free, safe environment where teens can relax, build friendships, and engage in a variety of activities

We’re proud to collaborate with the East Haven Police Athletic League, the Hagaman Library,
Roots4Relief, the YMCA, East Haven Schools, the Family Resource Center, and many more.

As an essential part of the East Haven Juvenile Review Board, Youth Services also works
alongside the Police Department, school leadership, and community members to guide youth
toward better paths.

Our goal moving forward is to continue creating meaningful, lasting experiences for East
Haven’s youth.

However, we recognize that state and federal grant requirements are evolving in ways that may
create challenges moving forward. That doesn’t change our teams dedication. We will do more
with less, when necessary.

Tax Department

Under the leadership of our Tax Collector, Shayna Acampora, the Tax Department continues to
deliver strong results. This year, we maintained an impressive collection rate of 98.6%, with
projections indicating further growth.

A key achievement in 2024 was recovering in excess of 145 thousand dollars from previously
uncollectible accounts — this is three times the amount collected in 2023.

Our department’s primary goal remains the same: to collect all taxes — on Real Estate, Motor
Vehicles, and Business Personal Property, both current and delinquent.

I’m proud to report that all Tax Department staff have now passed the CT State Tax Collecting
Exam, a rigorous certification requiring four semester-long courses.

We’ve also prioritized ongoing professional development, ensuring our team stays sharp and up
to date on best practices.

I want to thank Shayna, Meeghan, and Amber Lee for doing a magnificent job.

IT Department

When we first took office in 2019, East Haven had no formal IT Department. Technology was
outdated and unsecured— departments couldn’t communicate electronically, and even
transferring phone calls was impossible.

Since then, we’ve made tremendous progress. Our Information Technology Department, led by
Tina Hedley, has transformed the town’s operations. We’ve modernized systems across all town
buildings, improving efficiency, security, and communication. Departments can now work
together, more effectively to service our residents and businesses.

Security has been a top priority. We’ve significantly strengthened our network, protecting
sensitive data while simplifying access for authorized users.

This isn’t just about keeping pace with technology — it’s about safeguarding our town from
evolving cyber threats and ensuring reliable access to services.

Looking forward, we are excited to announce a new, easy to navigate Town of East Haven
website. Giving our residents a simple road to find everything they need to know about town
events and even save time with permitting and other form-based tasks. East Haven’s IT
infrastructure is no longer stuck in the past — it’s built for the future.

Animal Control

Our East Haven Animal Shelter and Animal Control team continues to be a source of pride for
our community — and rightfully so. With an impressive 90% adoption rate, their commitment
to finding homes for animals is quite impressive.

The shelter’s partnership with North Branford continues to do well, and this year, we’re
excited to announce a new collaboration with Vet Care Everywhere. This partnership will
bring more pet wellness clinics to town, offering affordable vaccines and checkups.

To better support those who’ve given so much to our community, seniors and veterans will
receive discounted rates.

Facility improvements are ongoing. The new air conditioning units will keep the animals cool
and comfortable. We’re also working to replace and update our dog runs and kennels to meet
the latest state regulations…once again an unfunded mandate we also have to absorb. —
This project is also included in our capital budget request.

Our community’s generosity continues to shine through with donations of food, toys, and
supplies, making sure our shelter stays well-stocked and welcoming.

Finally, a big thank you to Emily, Monica, Owen and the whole Animal Shelter team for the care
they show every day — and to our residents for their continued support. Together, we’re giving
East Haven and North Branford’s animals the second chances they deserve.

Town Clerk

Everyday Town Clerk Lisa Balter and the strong team in the Town Clerk’s Office continue to make meaningful strides in preserving East Haven’s records and improving operations to better serve the community.

The Town Clerk’s Office will continue to prioritize preserving East Haven’s historical records,
improving storage solutions, and continuing staff education.

Through research, mentoring, and team development, the office has fostered a dedicated, service-
oriented environment that supports residents and visitors alike.

Building Department

The Building Department continues to play a vital role in East Haven’s growth and development.
In 2024, the department processed 1,371 permit applications, generating over $364,000 in
revenue for the town. Our team conducted over 1,400 inspections and issued 16 Certificates of
Occupancy, including the newly completed Home 2 Suites hotel, a notable addition to our local
landscape. Additionally, 722 Certificates of Completion were issued, reflecting the steady
progress of projects throughout town.

Another major milestone this year was creating the entire digital catalog of property files,
enhancing accessibility and efficiency. This marks an important step in modernizing the
department’s operations, ensuring quicker and more convenient service.

As we look ahead, we’re excited about many new projects on the horizon and remain dedicated
to facilitating responsible growth and development in East Haven.

Planning and Zoning Department

This year, our dedicated Planning and Zoning Staff made significant strides in modernizing
operations through Permit-Link. This system streamlines the permitting process.

Looking ahead in 2025, the department is focused on advancing key initiatives outlined in the
current Plan of Conservation and Development. Priorities include encouraging mixed-use
development, establishing architectural design standards, implementing inclusionary zoning
policies, and updating zoning regulations.

These efforts aim to enhance East Haven’s appeal and support a thriving environment for both
residents and economic development.

Hagaman Library

The Hagaman Library continues to be a pillar of the East Haven community, providing
invaluable resources, programs, and services to residents of all ages.

Under the leadership of Library Director Sarah Mallory, programs have flourished.

Over the past year, the library provided over 167,000 free service interactions, a testament to its
role in supporting our town. Through successful grant applications, the library secured more
than $17,000 in funding to enhance services and introduce new programs — bringing additional
resources directly to East Haven. Furthermore, the library’s commitment to free access to books,
media, and technology saved East Haven taxpayers over $1 million in material costs alone.

Thanks to strong leadership, dedicated staff, and community support, in these changing times the
library remains a cornerstone of education, culture, and opportunity for East Haven. I’ve really
enjoyed watching the library grow.

East Haven Senior Center & Social Services Department

I’m so pleased with the community engagement at The East Haven Senior Center, it’s growing
into an essential hub for our senior community. With over 325 active members — our highest
number ever — the center is more vibrant than ever before…Thanks to Bob and his team.

This year, the Senior Center introduced the "Stronger Seniors" exercise program, helping
members stay active and independent. In addition, we added line dancing bringing the total to
10 different fitness classes offered each month — ensuring there’s something for everyone.
We also hosted our first annual Senior Health Fair, drawing more than 100 attendees and 30
different vendors providing valuable health and wellness resources to our seniors.
Facility improvements remain a priority.

Thanks to a $75,000 grant from the Connecticut State Unit on Aging, we installed a Digital
Check-in kiosk, hydration station and upgraded all bathroom fixtures to touchless, enhancing
both convenience and cleanliness.

Collaboration has also been key to expanding services. We partnered with the Community
Dining Room of Branford to provide weekend meals to seniors and Wednesday Night
Family Meals — ensuring no one goes without a warm, healthy meal.

Our Social Services Department has worked hard to support East Haven residents:

 Over 400 State of Connecticut Rental Rebate applications were processed, resulting in
more than $265,000 returned to residents.
 Over 400 Energy Assistance applications were completed, bringing over $550,000 in
oil, propane, gas, and electric credits to residents in need.
 We distributed more than 150 farmers market vouchers from the Department of
Agriculture, providing $7,500 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables to eligible residents.

This is a program that is currently in jeopardy due to federal cuts. We hope this funding
remains as so many resident benefit from it.

Additionally, the Senior Center's beloved Bingo program had its most successful year yet,
generating over $12,000 in revenue.

Public Works

Our Public Works Department continues to go above and beyond, keeping East Haven’s
infrastructure strong, our parks beautiful, and our community running more efficiently.
Their hard work is seen townwide — from road paving and tree trimming to major facility
improvements and stormwater management.

This year, our Public Service crews paved many streets, crews also installed 15,000 linear feet of
asphalt curbing throughout our town.

Meanwhile, they replaced and repaired 40 catch basins throughout town.

Our dedicated tree crew remained hard at work trimming trees, clearing debris, and even
managing extensive cleanup along the Farm River — keeping waterways clear to reduce
flooding risks.

Beyond roads and trees, the department kept our town looking its best. They maintained 150
acres of grass, maintained 15 baseball fields and 6 soccer fields, planted flowers and trees, and
kept parks, playgrounds, schools, and public buildings in top shape.

Public Works also completed several major building upgrades, including remodeling the Senior
Center bathrooms, renovating the library’s upper meeting room, and overhauling the Building
Department office. They tackled roof repairs at Town Hall, and installed new water heaters in
multiple facilities. They even planted a new Christmas tree on the Town Green for future
generations.

One of the most notable Public Works Projects is our new gazebo. It’s more than just a structure
— it’s a symbol of East Haven’s spirit, hosting concerts, ceremonies, and community events year
after year. The new gazebo not only improves the Town Green’s appearance but will remain safe,
sturdy, and beautiful for decades to come.

These upgrades reflect our ongoing commitment to preserving the heart of our town while
enhancing public spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Our mechanics keep 140 vehicles running strong across departments, from Fire and Police to
Animal Control and Recreation.

East Haven’s Public Works team continues to be the backbone of our community —Their work is not just about infrastructure — it’s about making East Haven a better place to live, work, and enjoy every day.

Thank you Charlie Coyle and your team.

Economic Development

Economic development continues to be a key sign of our town’s strength — and East Haven is
proving time and again that we’re a "Community of Choice."

We are proactive in supporting those that have long been part of our community. Recently, we
met with a longstanding local business Calabro Cheese, which was recently purchased by an
Italian Company— the new group is committed to make a major investment here, continuing
their presence, and making the East Haven location their US headquarters.

We’ve had local meetings with them, and during one of our meetings they asked if our State had
economic programs or incentives for what they are trying to accomplish. As a result, I engaged
State economic assets with assistance of Senator Christine Cohen, and in no time we were in my
office e working alongside multiple state agencies to assist moving their plans forward — a great
example of how we’re ready to support businesses that believe in East Haven.
We’re also seeing forward progress along Frontage Road.

Starbucks is planning two locations: a drive-through-only spot on the southbound side and a full-
service location on the northbound side. Sally Beauty and Work N Gear are set to move to the
southbound plaza.

When Big Lots closed stores nationwide — including here —, we were in contact with the owner of the parcel. Now the owner has a new tenant to fill that space Burlington Stores will take over the space, keeping that location active and contributing to our local economy. Our Economic Development Director, Rich Coppola, and I remain committed to making East Haven a place where businesses want to invest, grow, and stay for the long haul.

Assessor’s Office

Our Assessor’s Office plays a critical role in keeping our town running smoothly. They recently
completed the 2024 Grand List, which includes real estate, motor vehicles, and personal
property.

Right now, they’re busy helping residents apply for the state tax relief program.

Last year, nearly 500 applications were processed, providing over $300,000 in tax relief to those
who qualified. This year, with the deadline coming up in May, they expect to provide the same
level of relief to returning applicants—and they’ve already secured an additional $25,000 for
new applicants.

Our Assessor’s Office also manages records for more than 700 veterans, helping them navigate
exemption programs and adjust to recent legislative changes that affect their benefits.
And when it comes to local businesses, they oversee nearly 1,400 of them—working closely with
auditors to ensure personal property assessments are accurate and up to date.

Beyond the day-to-day work, the staff is committed to staying ahead of the curve, continuously
attending classes, workshops, and meetings to stay informed on state policies and mandates.

Their work isn’t always visible, but it’s absolutely vital to keeping our town financially strong and fair for all taxpayers.

Board of Education

Every year, in every community, Board of Education funding becomes a controversial issue.
There’s no question that the work our district does every day is the most important in our
community. Nothing matters more than educating and nurturing our children. As the world
becomes more complex and the challenges grow, this work becomes even more critical.

Like many other areas of municipal government, the State and Federal government has made this
job even harder with funding reductions and budget changes, many of which come right in the
middle of the budget process. This year, the most significant and damaging cuts are in Special
Education. Our children are the brightest part of our community, and that includes our special
needs students, who require even more care and support. Yet, the State has slashed funding for
them the most. It’s an irresponsible, short-sighted decision with no reasonable justification.

We can either sit here and point fingers or we can get to work.

I—along with my staff, RJ, and Superintendent Forte—have chosen the latter. While we don’t
always agree, we share a mutual respect and a commitment to doing what’s best for our students.

This year, the Board of Education requested $8.1 million in additional funding. That’s a
significant number, driven largely by the lack of State—and to some degree, Federal—support.
But we cannot simply raise taxes to cover the entire amount. So, we had to find a responsible and
creative solution.

I take great pride in the strides we’ve made in strengthening East Haven’s regional and state reputation. When I call State and municipal leaders, they answer. Every town and city is facing similar challenges with education funding—it’s in the headlines every day. So, I reached out to regional leaders to see how they’re handling these shortfalls. While some communities operate under different government structures, I focused on those with a mayor-led government like ours.

What we’ve decided is a smart, responsible solution that will work.

We will fund the district with $3 million while also working together on the employee benefits
side. Based on projections, the Board of Education is facing a 35% increase in employee
benefits costs. Rather than adding that entire burden to the budget, I have committed to funding
that line item at last year’s level while also guaranteeing that the Town will cover any overage
that occurs in that account.

What does this mean for the district?

Not only will they receive $3 million in direct funding from the fund balance, but this approach
also ensures they won’t have to make $3 million in cuts elsewhere.

How will we make this work?

My staff, along with Erica and RJ, will meet weekly to closely monitor benefit spending and
track trends. This isn’t a guesswork solution. We’ve worked with a joint benefits insurance
broker to analyze actual costs versus budgeted costs over the last few years.

This approach is not only collaborative, but it allows the Town to have some control over one
area of spending and to plan for potential shortfalls each month, and it also lifts a major burden
from our District.

This isn’t a new idea—it was shared with me by a fellow mayor, who happens to be a
Republican. Because education has no political barriers.

I fully understand that Erica and the Board still have tough decisions ahead. These are
challenging times for all of us. But leaders are here to find solutions, not point fingers.

And I look forward to working together—daily, weekly, and continuously—to ensure our
students get the education they deserve.

One Barberry v. Maturo

The case of One Barberry v. Maturo is something my administration inherited, and frankly, it
played a major role in my decision to get involved in politics.

What could have been a straightforward zoning issue turned into nearly eight years of costly
litigation.

Instead of addressing the matter within the framework of the Town’s existing laws, the previous
Republican administration, led by Joe Maturo, escalated it into a legal battle that put our
community at serious financial risk. When the lawsuit was first filed, headlines warned that it
could cost the Town as much as $30 million. And in the judge’s extensive ruling, she made it
clear—Maturo and his Republican team were reckless in their actions. My administration did what needed to be done.

We strengthened our legal defense and negotiated a settlement of $11 million—far less than the worst-case scenarios that had been predicted. While it is still a significant sum, it is a much better outcome than many expected.

And we’re not done. We continue to pursue reimbursement for insurance and legal costs.

Tweed New Haven Airport — Where Do I Even Begin?

It’s hard to believe — and even harder to accept — that planes of this size are operating in such a
small, densely populated residential area. But as I’ve said before, these decisions aren’t made
locally. The Federal Aviation Administration holds that power, leaving towns like ours with no
legal authority to enact noise ordinances or control flight schedules.

The traffic impacts are undeniable. The safety concerns are real. And as a community, East
Haven has pushed back every step of the way to ensure our voices are heard.

We’ve brought in some of the best legal experts regarding this proposed expansion, making it
clear: I am doing everything on my power to make sure that East Haven will not be treated as an
afterthought. We cannot and should not shoulder the burdens of this airport alone.

My responsibility — and the responsibility of our public servants — is to the people of East
Haven. I won’t stand by and allow this expansion to overshadow our daily lives or compromise
our safety.

If this project moves forward, with approvals from the FAA and the State, there must be
guaranteed protections for our community. Anything less would be an unacceptable, unfunded
mandate.

I also want to sincerely thank our Town Council for their support. They remain updated by our legal team and continue to stand strong alongside me…making it clear to all involved: we are informed, united, and relentless in protecting our community. Before ending– I will say this, there is no question in my mind that there is a growing understanding of our concerns.

In closing.

Budgeting in Connecticut isn’t just challenging — it’s unpredictable. Towns like East Haven rely
heavily on federal, state grants and funding, but those decisions are made year-to-year, leaving us
with no long-term stability. We’re forced to plan local budgets without knowing what funding —
if any — will come from the State or Federal Government. It’s like trying to run a household
without knowing what your paycheck will be next month.

Take this year’s PILOT funding, for example. East Haven saw a reduction, while neighboring
New Haven received an increase. And when it comes to education, the uncertainty is even more
frustrating. This year, the State cut $6 million in Special Education funding for our Board of
Education. These cuts don’t make the need disappear — they only push the financial burden onto
all municipalities. What’s worse…is they don’t tell you how they’re going to fund you until the
eleventh hour.

Then, there are the unfunded mandates — state-imposed rules that towns are forced to follow
without receiving the money to pay for them. From new requirements for our police departments
to housing programs, the State continues to pass the costs down to local governments. The reality
is, without state and federal funding to support them, these mandates create higher costs for our
community. I, we, are all committed to responsible budgeting, and accountable stewardship of
this wonderful community—one that I am honored to lead.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us tonight. I also want to recognize our department heads, dedicated staff, and the members of the Board of Finance for their hard work and commitment to shaping this budget. We are living in unprecedented times that demand not only careful planning but strong leadership.

As your Mayor, I want to be clear: the well-being of our town and our residents remains my top priority. Every decision I make is guided by that commitment.

Mr. Chairman, with the completion of this presentation, I respectfully submit the budget to the
Council. Thank you again to everyone who played a part in this important process. Together,
we’ll continue moving East Haven forward.