May 7, 2026
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Chester, Deep River, & Essex Vol. XXVI Iss. 19
Chester Budget Proposes 4% Spending Increase By Aaron Rubin Staff Writer
The Chester Board of Selectmen is proposing a 4% increase in expenditures in its budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, as presented at a budget hearing April 28. Total proposed expenditures are $19,311,304 in annual spending. While the
mill rate will remain at 27.08 mills, the budget increase represents a 2.6% rise in property taxes. With an approved budget, Chester taxpayers would pay about $201 more in taxes next year. The two largest budget drivers—whose increased costs account for 92% of the overall increase—are spending increases for Chester Elementary School and town employee pay-
roll. The cost of medical insurance has increased by $39,000, continuing a trend seen in other towns. Chester has numerous capital projects planned over the next five years, most in infrastructure, education, and public safety. For the coming fiscal year, the town has See Chester Budget page 4
Float on By Onlookers crowd a Main Street bridge as hundreds of rubber ducks float down Pattaconk Brook during the 12th annual ConnDucky Derby in Chester on May 2. Organized by the Rotary Club of Chester and the Merchants of Chester, the spring fundraiser supports local scholarships, town projects and civic programs.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ Valley Courier
Kim Reilly Stafford is getting ready for the May Market........................2
Coming Together Valley softball finding its rhythm at the right time................................12
Lots of Laughs Nunsense brings the laughs at Legacy Theatre.............................20
Happy Mother’s Day!
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