Newtown Legislative Council Sets Mill Rate, Reviews School Plan

NEWTOWN, CT — The Legislative Council on May 7 approved a new tax rate, reviewed long-term education facilities planning, and made a series of financial and policy decisions during its regular meeting at Newtown Municipal Center.

The council voted to set the mill rate at 28.74 for the upcoming fiscal year, effective July 1, after an amendment by Councilman Chris Gardner lowered the proposed rate from 28.81. The amendment, which also set the tax collection rate at 99.05%, passed by a 7-4 vote.

The meeting included an update from Board of Education Chair Alison Plante and Superintendent Anne Uberti on the district’s facilities master plan. The plan will incorporate 10-year enrollment projections, a capacity and utilization study, and a previously completed facilities condition assessment. Officials clarified that no immediate changes—such as closing or constructing schools—are expected.

In financial business, the council approved several policies and transfers:

• A $130,884 budget transfer to address overspends in various town accounts, largely related to retirement contributions and employee benefits.
• Acceptance of a $25,000 bequest to the Senior Center, intended to support senior transportation services.
• A $500 grant from the Connecticut Fair Plan Anti Arson Committee to support the Fire Marshal’s Office.
• Updates to the town’s General Fund Balance Policy, Asset Capitalization Policy, and Outside Agency Request for Funds Policy.

Finance Director Glenys Salas presented cash flow projections for the sewer and water funds, noting the sewer fund requires annual operating surpluses of $100,000 through 2037 to repay general fund debt. The water fund, though expected to run surpluses, will not fully repay its debt to the general fund until 2038.

The council also set the salary for the first selectman at $139,036.60 for 2026 and $143,193.69 for 2027, and appropriated $2,018 for the increase in the 2026 salary.

In other updates, First Selectman Jeff Capeci said interviews continue for a financial advisor and that a town facilities manager began work earlier in the week. He noted progress on recycling program transitions and reported that multiple offers have been received for the purchase of 3 Main Street. The Connecticut Department of Transportation is beginning a project to renumber exits along I-84 to match mileage markers.

The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.