April 23, 2026
.com
Branford, North Branford & Northford Vol. XXX Iss. 17
Board of Finance Forwards $148.7M Budget to RTM By Laura Robida Managing Editor
The Board of Finance has approved a $148.7 million budget proposal for fiscal year 2026-27 and forwarded it to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), where members will take up the plan next month. The proposed spending plan totals $148,694,679, representing a 5.1% increase
over the current year. If approved, it would set the town’s property tax rate at 22.22 mills, an increase of 0.82 mills, or about 3.8%. “We’re suggesting that the budget requirements might initially be $148,694,679 or a 5.1% increase,” Board of Finance Chairman Joseph Mooney said during the board’s April 6 meeting. According to Mooney, the proposed mill rate assumes a 98.75% tax collection rate,
slightly higher than previous estimates, based on discussions with the town’s tax collector. “That would equate to an adjusted mill rate of 22.22 or a 0.82 increase in the mill rate, and that would assume the tax collector and his staff are able to collect at a 98.75 collection rate,” Mooney said. See Board of Finance page 7
Mary Santagata is giving animals a second chance with All the King’s Horses...............................2
In Bloom Branches of a Japanese cherry tree in full bloom frame the Branford Town Green and town hall on April 19. Japanese cherry trees, noted for their delicate pink blossoms, usually reach peak bloom across Connecticut in mid-April.
Leadership and Grit Hornets off to 4-1 start behind strong senior core.......................20 APRIL 2026
As old as the nation itself
$3.95
The Griswold Inn celebrates 250 years iin Essex E
Savor spring with locally made confections from Connecticut chocolatiers
Modern fare, old-school soul
Inspired dining in Niantic and Deep River
1
theday_OTS_APRpub_mar26.indd 1
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Sound
ɐ30
Inside This Issue
Donations from our readers help ensure we can provide our product FREE of charge each week. We are grateful for your generosity.
DONATE NOW AT ZIP06.COM/VOLUNTARYPAY