May 28, 2026
.com
Branford, North Branford & Northford Vol. XXX Iss. 22
RTM Approves $148.6 Million Budget By Laura Robida Managing Editor
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) approved a $148.6 million fiscal year 2026-27 budget May 12 that would increase Branford’s mill rate from 21.40 to 22.22 mills while boosting education spending, debt service, and capital investments.
The adopted budget totals $148,599,609, approximately 5.1% higher than the current year’s amended budget. The spending plan includes $73,189,576 for the Board of Education and $75,410,103 for town operations. According to budget documents prepared by the Board of Finance (BOF), the proposed mill rate increase of 0.82 mills represents a
3.8% increase over the current rate. The BOF’s recommended budget originally totaled $148,694,679 before amendments adopted by the RTM reduced the final spending plan by about $95,000. In a transmittal letter presented during See RTM Approves page 7
Framing Community Support Longtime volunteer David Dong stands with a photograph he took at the Summer Palace in Beijing, China, in 2001 during the Community Dining Room’s Fourth Annual Art Gala at Nuzzo’s Farm in Branford on May 21. The event featured works by local, youth and emerging artists, with proceeds benefiting the Community Dining Room, which provided more than 60,000 meals last year.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Sound
Tom Cleveland is helping keep the fish running with the Supply Pond’s fish ladder.....................................2
Ready for the Run Hornets boys lacrosse opens postseason play against Guilford........20
Postcards from Afar Susan Cornell wraps up her threepart travel series from Italy..........23
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