Page 30 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 59 Spring 2026

Considering the 2026-27 Town Budget
Considering t he 20 26-27 T o wn Budget

As we present the Town of Wallingford’s proposed 2026–2027 maintain the high level of emergency
budget, our goal remains clear. We want to maintain the high response and community safety resi-
level of services residents expect, while managing the rising dents expect.
costs of running municipal government responsibly. This year’s
proposal reflects considerations for the future, fiscal discipline, We also continue to manage long-
and a continued commitment to protecting taxpayers. term financial stability. The proposal
recommends using $9 million from
The proposed mill rate of 24.89 remains regionally competitive reserves, while maintaining a strong
and results in a 3.19% increase for the average residential taxpay- fund balance and protecting our
er. While no tax increase is taken lightly, this adjustment reflects Aa1 credit rating. This disciplined
unavoidable cost pressures, including contractual wage obliga- approach helps Wallingford remain
tions, rising health insurance costs, and debt service increases. financially strong and prepared for fu-
These factors mirror the financial realities facing households and ture challenges. Mayor Vincent Cervoni
businesses alike.
Utility divisions — including Water, Sewer, and Electric — contin-
Throughout this process, we worked diligently to reduce re- ue to adjust to declining usage trends, infrastructure needs, and
quested increases wherever possible and appropriate. Funding operational costs, while maintaining reliable service and plan-
increase requests from General Government and Education to- ning for necessary capital improvements.
taled more than $11 million. After careful review, we reduced
those requests by over $3.7 million, ensuring that essential ser- Despite rising costs, we remain focused on efficiency, employee
vices continue without placing unnecessary burdens on taxpay- retention, and responsible growth. This proposed budget bal-
ers. Importantly, education reductions were made without im- ances fiscal responsibility with the needs of our community. I am
pacting classroom instruction or student experience. confident it positions Wallingford for another year of stability
and progress.
Public safety remains a top priority. The budget includes two ad-
ditional Emergency Medical Technicians to address the growing
number of medical calls, along with two additional patrol offi-
cers for the Police Department. These investments ensure we

30 WALLINGFORD MAGAZINE - SPRING 2026