Cheshire Budget Season Opens With $15 Million Gap Looming Over FY 2026-27

Cheshire Releases Budget Schedule Amid Fiscal Pressure

Cheshire has released its FY 2026-27 operating budget schedule, setting the stage for what could be another contentious budget season as the town faces an estimated $15 million near-term budget gap driven by lost state revenue, expiring federal funds, and rising costs.

A public hearing on the proposed General Fund, Water Pollution Control, and Community Pool budgets is scheduled for March 11 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Cheshire Town Hall, according to the town's CivicPlus announcement. The Board of Education will present its budget request on March 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 207/209. The Town Council's final adoption vote is set for April 28, with April 29 as a backup date.

$146 Million Budget Faces Revenue Losses in Cheshire

Cheshire's current general fund budget stands at $146 million with a mill rate of 29.74, adopted last year on a narrow 5-4 vote after extended debate, according to reporting by Citizen Portal. That budget included a 12.7 percent tax increase that cost the average property taxpayer about $673 per year.

The town faces multiple revenue challenges heading into the new fiscal year. Cheshire is expected to lose approximately $4.7 million in state support, including roughly $1.046 million from lost eligibility for the state motor vehicle tax grant and an estimated $600,000 decline in PILOT payments, according to reporting on town council discussions. Education Cost Sharing grants, which have been flat for years, are projected to drop by $250,000 to $509,000.

The expiration of one-time ARPA pandemic relief funds adds further pressure, along with rising healthcare and contractual costs across town departments.

Town Manager and Budget Committee Lead Cheshire Process

Town Manager Sean M. Kimball is responsible for preparing the proposed budget and presenting it to the Town Council, according to the town's website. The Budget Committee, chaired by Fiona Pearson and including members Deb Manke and Don Walsh, reviews proposals during the process.

No budget figures or departmental requests have been made public yet for FY 2026-27. The March 11 public hearing will be residents' first opportunity to see proposed spending levels and provide input.

School Funding a Major Factor in Cheshire Budget

The Board of Education's March 23 presentation will be closely watched, as school funding typically represents the largest share of Cheshire's operating budget. School Superintendent Jeff Solan oversees a district of 4,224 students across seven schools, according to the district's website.

Solan has previously indicated that budget constraints force the district to prioritize classroom funding over facility maintenance. With the projected decline in ECS grants and flat grand list growth, the education budget is expected to be a central point of discussion during the adoption process.

Key Dates for Cheshire Residents

All budget meetings are open to the public at Cheshire Town Hall, 84 South Main Street:

• March 11, 7 p.m. — Public hearing on General Fund, Water Pollution Control, and Community Pool budgets (Council Chambers)
• March 23, 6:30 p.m. — Board of Education budget presentation (Room 207/209)
• April 28, 7 p.m. — Town Council final adoption vote (Council Chambers), with April 29 as backup

Residents can find the full budget schedule on the town's website at cheshirect.gov.

The March 11 hearing is open for public comment, and residents may address the Town Council directly about proposed spending levels. Written comments can also be submitted through the Town Clerk's office at Cheshire Town Hall. All budget materials presented during the process are expected to be posted on the town's website as they become available.

Cheshire's budget calendar runs through late April, with multiple opportunities for public input before the final adoption vote. The budget must be adopted before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2026.

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