Board of Finance 05/20/2026

The North Haven Board of Finance held a meeting on May 20, 2026, primarily focused on addressing the town budget after the recent referendum failed to pass. The board discussed detailed budget adjustments, including proposed cuts totaling approximately $2.76 million split between the town and Board of Education budgets, aiming to reduce the mill rate increase from 1.73 to 1.1 mills. Key procurement-related topics included reductions in capital projects such as police cruisers and public works, deferral of mandated projects like the plan of conservation and development, and personnel adjustments in police and fire departments. The board debated revenue assumptions, including potential increases in non-tax revenues and the use of fund balance, with concerns about maintaining the town's AAA bond rating. Several motions were passed to approve the revised budget figures and set a special budget town meeting for June 2, 2026. Public comments highlighted concerns about education spending growth, the need for structural budget reviews, and the importance of public safety funding. The board acknowledged its limited authority over the Board of Education's internal decisions but expressed willingness to collaborate on future budget analyses.