Proposed Stratford Budget Keeps Taxes Flat, Fully Funds BOE: Mayor

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford Mayor Laura R. Hoydick has proposed a budget for fiscal year 2026 that she said fully funds the Board of Education’s proposed budget, and keeps taxes flat.

Hoydick recently presented a $266 million operating budget to the Town Council that maintains the 40.20 mill rate and the vehicle mill rate of 32.46.

“Since taking office in 2017, tax relief has been a priority,” Hoydick wrote in her letter to the Town Council. “My administration reduced taxes for five years, kept the FY24 increase minimal, and maintained a zero-increase last year. For FY 2025-2026, we are holding taxes flat again, with a total Town budget of $266,046,133. This budget supports Town departments while prioritizing efficient services and investing in our schools and students.

“Special Education and appropriate funding for public schools has been a focus for all municipalities in the State of Connecticut. I have worked closely with the Interim-Superintendent Borges to fund the proposed school budget as requested. The proposed Town budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year fully funds the operating budget requested by the Stratford Board of Education and SPS Administration. In addition, I suggest we add a Special Education Non-Lapsing Fund so we have reserves set aside should the cost of Special Education exceed the approved budget. The total proposed budget for Stratford Public Schools is $132,953,937, and we are confident this will provide the necessary resources, infrastructure, and support to those who work tirelessly to improve the academic achievement and social emotional well-being of our students. This budget is a commitment by the Town to moving our students, our schools, and our community forward.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the school administration, Board of Education and the Town Council to provide the necessary funding to all Town departments, and I am confident that this proposed budget represents a fiscally sound path for Stratford.”

The Town Council will review the budget through Ordinance Committee, with workshops covering the various town departments. The workshops are scheduled to take place over the next several weeks at the Baldwin Center (1000 West Broad Street in Stratford).

“I am excited to start our budget process,” Town Council Chairman, and District 8 Councilman, Carl Glad said in a news release. “The Mayor has submitted a budget that continues to support the services our community needs and fully funds the Board of Education proposal without raising taxes. I look forward to working with all of the members of the Council to go through the details and approve a budget that continues to move Stratford in a positive direction.”

Ordinance Committee Chair Alan Llewelyn said he’s “appreciative of Mayor Hoydick’s continued dedication to moving the Town of Stratford and its school system forward while being responsible to Stratford’s taxpayers.”

“Her recommendation of introducing a Special Education Non-Lapsing Fund is a sensible approach to ensure we have a safety net, in the event that Pupil Services / Special Education costs exceed the approved budget,” he said. “As a housekeeping reminder, budget workshops are currently scheduled to be held at the Baldwin Center; however, the schedule and location of the workshops are subject to change. I encourage anyone interested in attending to please check the Master Town Calendar under the Calendars tab at stratfordct.gov for the most accurate and up-to-date information.”

Read the full proposed budget here.