May 29, 2025 Branford, North Branford & Northford Vol. XXIX Iss. 22
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Branford Adopts $141.198M Budget, 21.40 Mill Rate By Pam Johnson Senior Staff Writer
Branford’s 2025-’26 $141,198,673 Town budget, with a new mill rate of 21.40 mills, has been adopted following discussion, debate, and actions by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) on May 13 and by the Board of Finance (BOF) on May 19. The budget represents an annual increase of approximately 1.7% in the tax levy. It pro-
vides $69,934,640 for Board of Education operating and capital and $71,264,033 for all town departments. At the conclusion of the May 19 BOF meeting, First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove, now serving his last term in office, reflected on Branford’s fiscally responsible budgets and the town’s progress during the past 12 years. Also at the conclusion of the May 19 BOF meeting, Finance Director Jim Finch
announced he will retire later this year, after 27 years of service to the town. In April, RTM committees began reviewing the BOF’s recommended $141,698,673 town budget proposal, finalized by the BOF on March 31 and representing a 2.13% annual increase in the tax levy. On May 13, the full RTM approved cutting See Branford page 12
Slide into Summer Nicole Maldonado and her 3-yearold son Astraeus explore the newly reopened playground at Veterans Memorial Park on May 21. The play space recently underwent a full renovation, bringing fresh excitement to frequent visitors like Maldonado and her children.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Sound
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Mina West is helping her Branford neighbors with a hand up..............2
Finishing Strong The North Branford softball team earned four-straight wins to end the regular season, and girls’ tennis took two losses............................14
An Insider’s Look Tea at Five at Ivoryton gives a glimpse inside Katharine Hepburn’s life...............................................26