Special Budget Town Meeting 06/02/2026

The Special Budget Town Meeting for North Haven, held on June 2, 2026, focused primarily on discussing the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, which includes a total of approximately $144 million split between town government and the Board of Education. The meeting addressed the failure of the previous budget referendum and outlined the upcoming referendum vote scheduled for June 9, 2026. Key procurement-related topics included budget allocations for public safety (firefighters, police officers, and capital expenditures such as fire trucks and police cars), education staffing reductions totaling 28 positions, and increases in insurance costs. The Board of Education presented a revised budget reflecting a 4.53% increase, with detailed explanations of cuts and impacts on programs and personnel. Public comments highlighted concerns about the budget's impact on education quality, transparency, and tax increases, with many urging support for the budget to avoid further cuts. The meeting emphasized the importance of civility and respectful discourse throughout the budget process.