The 2025 municipal campaign is in its final weeks, and your support and involvement will be the margin of difference in electing a Democratic Mayor and Democratic majorities on the Common Council and Board of Education.
Early voting begins at the New Britain Senior Center and Central CT State University on October 20 and continues through November 2. On Election Day November 4th polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Saint Francis Church and Pulaski Middle School.
Four ways to help…….
Contact voters by canvassing or by phone
Reach out to your family, friends and neighbors to vote by November 4th
Put up a sign for Row A candidates
Make a donation to help get out the vote
Donations to the McNamara 4 Council Committee May Be Made Here
For more information contact Alderman John McNamara at 860-416-0665 or Email: mcnamara4council@gmail.com. Thank you.
Labor donated. Paid for by McNamara 4 Council. Michael McNamara, Treasurer and New Britain Democratic Town Committee, John Tully, Treasurer. Approved by candidates.
Amendment reduces tax rate and shifts funds to schools, the library and homeless prevention
A 2026 municipal general fund budget supported by Common Council Democrats that reduces the property tax rate and increases operational funds for schools, the library and homeless prevention was approved at the May 28th meeting.
On June 7th Mayor Stewart vetoed the Democratic amendment approved on an eight to seven party line vote. It will require 10 votes on the 15-member Council to override a Mayoral veto.
The Democratic majority caucus and the Stewart administration agreed on a $273,493,952 million budget and a .41 cut to the mill rate (39.18 mills) for the fiscal year that begins July 1, but the mayor opposed additional operating funds for education, the library and a prevention fund for the unhoused.
New Britain City Hall, West Main Street
By waiting until June 7th, the mayor pocket vetoed the amended budget without a Council discussion or vote to override.
Statement from the Majority Caucus
“Our constituents want to see strong schools, access to literacy, and support for vulnerable residents. We delivered a budget that meets those needs without raising taxes.
“The amendment to the mayor’s budget included responsible reallocations from unfilled administrative positions and discretionary lines. No jobs were cut that would impact essential services. No union contracts were violated.
“The amendment supported a mill rate reduction of .41 after two years of major tax increases. It provided a $1.1 million increase to the schools’ operating fund instead of withholding funding until the end of the year, providing more stability for the education budget. From reallocations and without new spending the public library receives $175,443 addressing its rapid growth and services for students, seniors and families. A $20,000 allocation funds unhoused prevention services that can help keep vulnerable residents in their homes.
“Contrary to the veto message, the amendment did not touch the city’s rainy-day fund (unassigned fund balance) of $25.1 million. The Democratic caucus, in fact supported adding to the rainy-day fund and creating a tax stabilization fund in the current term.
“It is unfortunate that the mayor’s veto included personal attacks and unfounded accusations that are inappropriate in doing the city’s business. The Council amendment addressing community needs passed after weeks of review and discussion. The Democratic caucus is ready for collaboration and good faith negotiation on issues that matter to residents.
The Democratic caucus includes President Pro Tem Francisco Santiago (5), Majority Leader John McNamara (4), Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (3). Nate Simpson (1), Wilma Barbosa (2), Lori McAdam (2), Candyce Scott (3), Neil Connors (4).
Individuals seeking to join the public hearing and speak remotely may do so by calling 1 (339) 209-6176. Members of the public not attending in person may view the broadcast via the livestream link: https://www.newbritainct.gov/meetings
“The public hearing is an important part of the process for residents to share their concerns, ideas and priorities about how the city will maintain services within the limits of anticipated revenues for the year that starts on July 1,” said Council President Francisco Santiago (D-5).
“The Democratic caucus seeks to ensure the final budget delivers fair allocations for essential services and education and considers tax relief for seniors and limited income households,” said Alderman John McNamara (D-4), the Council Majority Leader.
“Our goal is a balanced budget that prioritizes essential services and addresses neighborhood needs. Hearing from residents at the public hearing will help us over the next five weeks,” said Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (D-3). The deadline for the Council to adopt a budget is June 4.
Following the April 29th public hearing the budget will go to Common Council committees where alderpersons will hear presentations and ask questions. On the schedule are the Planning, Zoning & Housing (PZH) Committee,, Tuesday, May 6th; the Administration, Finance, Law & Public Services Committee (AFLPS), Wednesday, May 7th, and a AFLPS special meeting with the Board of Education on Thursday, May 8th. All budget meetings begin at 6 p.m. The Common Council will review the mayor’s fiscal plan and adopt the final capital and operating budgets by June deadline.
Democratic Caucus – New BritainCommon Council Update
At an April 9th special meeting the Mayor sent a $273,493,952 proposal to the Council. It represents a $3,961,219 increase in spending over the current fiscal year and sets a 39.18 mill rate on real estate and personal property, a .41 of a mill reduction over the current 39.59 rate. The proposed decrease follows higher tax bills in the two previous years. The 2024 property tax yield jumped $15,835,516 and was 12.58 percent more than 2023 after revaluation sent property assessments soaring. The higher values caused a drop in the mill rate from 49.50 to 38.28 but resulted in the highest tax bills in memory for single and multi family dwellings. Over two years current taxes are up $20,598,252 (16%) after the mill rate increased last year to 39.59. One mill rate now represents $3,425.361.
The Mayor’s budget calls for modest increases to most city departments. It continues to hold the appropriation for the Board of Education to $128 million, the same amount as 2024-2025. An additional $2,,646,191 is included in a “non-operating” budget line for education that the BOE must request once the fiscal year begins after July. The Board of Finance and Taxation reduced the BOE’s proposed 11 percent increased budget of $142,612,481 by $12,052,481 and Mayor Stewart cut another $2,560,000 to $128,000,000 in direct appropriations. When non-operating funds are added next year local school aid will total $131,251,665, $1,183,626 more than 2025.
Aside from Board of Education costs, employee benefits ($31,403,152) and payments for the city’s debt ($26,053,783) are the highest estimated expenses.
On the revenue side the Mayor’s budget estimates $145,420,396 will be raised via property taxes, $72,360,710 from state Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) and $24,813,085 in other state grants. The Administration expects $22,749,761 in non-tax revenue, a $5,427,517 increase over the current year. Final amounts for state grants and ECS will be determined by the Governor and State Legislature in the coming weeks and are expected to bring an increase in support from the state for special education and additional funding the city receives as an Alliance District. State and federal aid funds account for well over half of overall spending for schools. New Britain currently ranks 160th out of 165 districts in the amount of local funding for education at $16,814 per pupil. The state’s median is $21,676.
Resolution Increases Tenant Access To Fair Rent Commission
The Common Council amended the city’s Fair Rent Commission procedures at the April 23rd meeting to allow more tenants to file complaints if their rent increases are deemed excessive by the FRC.
In a resolution sponsored by Aldermen Neil Connors (D-4) and Jarrell Hargraves (R-2) and adopted unanimously, the city’s FRC ordinance makes one change for tenants to be able to seek relief. The revision allows tenants who have been served a notice to quit but not a summary eviction by their landlord access to the FRC complaint process.
Under the current ordinance adopted by the city in 2012 the FRC was unable to accept excessive rent complaints if landlords have already “begun the eviction process”, including notices to quit and before a summary process begins. The new language states tenants are ineligible when landlords “have already begun a summary process eviction against a tenant for nonpayment of rent.” The ordinance also prohibits tenants from filing complaints “if they owe back rent” or “have already signed leases agreeing to the requested rent.”
The nine-member FRC consists of three tenants, three landlords and three property owners and has authority to reduce rent increases to ensure that the amounts “are not harsh and unconscionable.” If mediation fails the commission conducts hearings and receives complaints from eligible tenants.
Fair Rent Commission: How To File A Complaint Contact Jerrell Hargraves, 27 West Main Street 06051 Tel: (860) 826-3410 | Email: jerrell.hargraves@newbritainct.gov
Audit Committee To Review Finances And Audit Proposals
The Audit Subcommittee of the Common Council will discuss the annual audit and state and federal single audit reports for the year ending June 30, 2024 at an April 30th 6 p.m. meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall.
The independent audit was completed on March 31st three months after the December 31, 2024 deadline. Its delivery came sooner than the audits for 2023 and 2022 that were six months or more late. Auditors in prior years cited weaknesses and a noncompliance issue to explain delays. The audit for fiscal year 2024 reports several problems have been addressed and a compliance issue has been resolved. The latest audit cites one deficiency in financial reporting that recommends “the city develop a formal financial close process to ensure each fund’s year-end balances are analyzed timely and corrected appropriately.” The finding stems from “a shortage in staffing within the finance department to review balances.”
Financial highlights from the last fiscal year according to CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) include:
the net position of governmental activities increased by $12.1 million,
In governmental activities , the city had revenues of $462.3 million and expenses of $452.1 million.
The net position of business-type activities increased $842,000. Revenues were $15.8 million while expenses were $13.1 million.
The General Fund reported a fund balance of $34.9 million of which $9.9 million was assigned and $25 million unassigned.
The tax collection rate for the current levy was 96.31%
On May 1 the audit subcommittee will also review proposals for auditing services over the next three years for approval by the Common Council.
Common Council leaders from New Britain’s Wards Four and Five will hold a constituent meeting on Saturday, January 25th, with the city’s state legislators to discuss municipal and state issues. The meeting will be held at Spottswood A.M.E. Church, 25 Crestwood Lane from 10 a.m. to noon.
Common Council Majority Leader John McNamara (D-4) and Council President Pro Tem Francisco Santiago (D-5) will host the meeting and will be joined by Alderman Neil Connors (D-4), newly-elected State Rep. David DeFronzo (D-26), State Representative Manny Sanchez (D-24) and State Senator Rick Lopes (D-6). Wards four and five includes the 26th and 24th state House districts in the city.
“Meeting regularly in the ward is a good way to get feedback from citizens on issues that city government can help address,” said McNamara. The meeting is open to all city residents.
Updates will be provided on a new rapid response program and other initiatives to address stormwater flooding issues in neighborhoods, current efforts to reduce speeding and prevent accidents, plans to re-open the Batterson Park recreation area and the start of the municipal budgeting process for the next fiscal year.
The Common Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month with public participation beginning at 7 p.m. For more information contact Alderman John McNamara, john.mcnamara@newbritainct.gov
NEW BRITAIN – Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara will hold a constituent meeting on Saturday, September 7, at noon to discuss municipal and neighborhood concerns of residents in the Saint Francis, Holmes School and Pulaski School voting districts. The meeting will be held at the Roma Sports Bar & Grill dining room, 382 Allen Street, 12 to 1:30 p.m.
An update will be provided on a $13.9 million capital improvement project to replace deteriorated stormwater and sewer infrastructure on Allen Street. The outmoded system has led to frequent flash flooding in the adjacent neighborhoods causing storm and sewer back ups and property damage. The Allen Street project is to be funded by a $9.7 million state bond proposed by legislators and matching funds of $4.2 million from the city. In addition, the status of the Overlook Avenue-McKinley Street project to address flooding will be provided. Other possible responses by the city to prevent losses from extreme weather will be discussed.
Information on early voting for the November 5th Election and the Absentee Voting referendum on ballots will be available, McNamara said. The lunchtime constituent meeting will include pizza and light beverages.
The Common Council will resume its twice a month schedule of regular meetings on September 11 with public participation beginning at 7 p.m. For more information contact Alderman John McNamara, john.mcnamara@newbritainct.gov
Here is my take on the municipal budget that will take effect July 1.
The good news is that the Legislature appropriated $10 million more for tax relief or addressing unmet needs in the coming 2025 fiscal year. The bad news is a 1.31 mill rate increase and less local aid to education than 2024.
“The Mayor and Council will face more challenges next year at budget time and will not have the one-time funding provided by the Legislature’s stabilization plan for town aid and educational cost sharing funding. If past is prelude the city’s legislative delegation can be expected to push for and get increases for both education, PILOT and other forms of town aid when the General Assembly convenes next January to adopt a new biennial state budget. The situation points to the need for more fiscal discipline at City Hall than is the case now and making property tax relief a priority at the local and state level in 2025.”
NEW BRITAIN – Residents of Ward Four will have an opportunity to meet with their Democratic City Aldermen on Saturday, May 18th, at 10 a.m. at Central Connecticut State University to discuss municipal and neighborhood issues, Democratic Council Majority Leader John McNamara (D-4) announced.
The constituent meeting will be held at CCSU’s Marcus White Hall in the Marcus White Living Room, 2nd Floor on the CCSU campus. McNamara and Ward 4 Alderman Neil Connors (D-4) will answer questions and address resident concerns.
An update on 2024-2025 municipal budget now under consideration will be provided. Other topics will include the 2024 street paving program, stormwater infrastructure and the FLUSH program, Batterson Park and traffic calming measures to curb speeding.
“Meeting regularly in the ward is a good way to get feedback from citizens on issues that city government can address,” said McNamara, who held his first constituent meeting in February. The meeting is open to all city residents.
Stanley Quarter Park
Ward 4 encompasses the neighborhoods near Central Connecticut State University and Stanley Quarter Park, extending to Farmington Avenue and out to Brittany Farms and Batterson Park. The ward includes the Saint Francis (12), Holmes School (13) and Pulaski School (14) voting districts.
For more information: John McNamara, 860-416-0665; john.mcnamara@newbritainct.govn
This report is the second in a series to keep the community informed about Council business and to encourage public participation in city government from the perspective of the Council Democratic Majority Caucus.
The details of municipal purchasing, tax and and leasing agreements will be reported back to the Common Council in changes to city ordinances sought by Council Democrats.
New Britain Common Council Majority Caucus Update April 2024
At the April 10th Council meeting a resolution was approved requiring that signed lease agreements be reported back to the Common Council. Similarly, the Council’s Administration, Finance and Law subcommittee has advanced resolutions that will require the administration to provide contract details and the terms of tax agreements once they are signed. The Common Council approves winning bids for contracts, leases and tax abatements that are public information and authorizes the Mayor to negotiate and execute the terms. The intent of the transparency resolutions is to provide all members of the Council with the final details on major purchases, tax agreements and leases automatically.
Municipal Budget: Public Hearing Is April 23
Having received the Mayor’s proposed $269.5 million budget and 39.59 mill rate for the year that begins July 1st the Common Council begins its work to “adopt the capital and operating budgets of the City and the Board of Education” no later than June 5th. Between now and then Council Democrats’ priorities include an increased level of local support for education, building homeless prevention services’ capacity, addressing critical capital improvements and maintaining essential services within the limits of anticipated revenues.
The public will have the opportunity to weigh in on the new fiscal plan on April 23rd at 6 p.m. at a public hearing in Council Chambers. The budget proposal will then get a review with department heads at committee meetings on April 30th and May 1st to determine a final budget that will be sent to the Mayor.
Hearing from citizens on the 23rd and throughout the budget making process is essential to arriving at a budget that meets the community’s needs without a dollar wasted.
Addressing Reckless Driving, Speeding
Members of the Common Council have filed more than 20 petitions on speeding, pedestrian safety and traffic enforcement issues in residential neighborhoods since last November. The petitions prompt the Police Department to conduct traffic studies for possible remedies.
Assistant Majority Leader Iris Sanchez (D-3), for example, has filed recent petitions to address pedestrian safety issues on Brook Street near New Britain High School and on South Main Street where a resident of the School Apartments was seriously injured by an auto. It has been an ongoing issue for Alderwoman Sanchez who filed her first petition for a traffic light at the location back in 2018. In December, Alderwoman Wilma Barbosa (D-2) requested “speed humps or other speed reducing mechanisms” on the East Side over complaints that employees of a nearby company “drive aggressively in and out of the facility during the time school buses are picking up and dropping off children.”
At issue is the current policy that bars use of speed humps on all city streets. Last month Council President Francisco Santiago (D-5) petitioned to review the prohibition as reports of accidents, speeding and distracted driving increase in neighborhoods. The situation is putting new demands on the police for targeted enforcement on the city’s 170 miles of streets.
Council Democrats will work with the Administration and Republican alderpersons to consider a range of “traffic calming” strategies including speed humps, additional speed radar displays, raised crossroads or intersections, additional signage and neighborhood-based safety awareness campaigns.
Stormwater Trouble Spots
Engineering work is underway for two of the city’s trouble spots for stormwater and sewage system deterioration in the Overlook Avenue-McKinley Drive and Allen Street-Roxbury Road neighborhoods. Final design and project costs, according to the Department of Public Works (DPW), will be completed in the second half of 2024. Council Democrats continue to seek full funding from local, state and federal sources to expedite projects that have lingered on the city’s Capital Improvement list without action or funding for years.
Francisco Santiago (D-5) Council President Pro Tem
Residents of New Britain’s Ward 4 will have an opportunity to discuss municipal issues and neighborhood concerns on Saturday, February 10, from 10 a.m. to noon at Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, 35 Crestwood Lane.
Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara, the Common Council Majority Leader, will host his first neighborhood meeting of the term to hear from residents and to provide an update on the city budget process and efforts to improve stormwater and sewer mains.
“I encourage citizens to join me for coffee and conversation. Meeting in the ward is a good way to get their perspectives on issues that city government can address,” said McNamara, who was elected last November to the Common Council and plans to hold seasonal meetings to encourage citizen participation in Ward 4
Ward 4 encompasses the neighborhoods near Central Connecticut State University extending to Farmington Avenue and out to Brittany Farms and Batterson Park. The ward includes the Saint Francis (12), Holmes School (13) and Pulaski School (14) voting districts.
For more information: John McNamara, 860-416-0665; john.mcnamara@newbritainct.gov
Hearing From Citizens Is Essential During Budget Process in 2024
January 12, 2024
Two months into a new term the new Democratic majority on the Common Council is working on key issues raised in last year’s municipal election and in responding to public concerns on housing and shelter for the unhoused, stormwater infrastructure and the status of the city audit.
Council Democrats are committed to making city government responsive and accountable and restoring a bipartisan approach to moving the city forward. Our progress will be based on policies and actions that can improve the well-being of all residents.
New Britain Common Council Majority Caucus Update
This monthly majority caucus report is the first to keep the community informed about Council business and to encourage public participation in city government at the Council and boards and commissions.
Housing and Shelter For The Unhoused: Higher rents, evictions and a shortage of affordable housing are creating increasing demands on under-funded shelters and support services for the unhoused in New Britain and the region. Compelling testimony from unhoused New Britain persons and advocates dominated public participation at the last two Council meetings. Council members have been assessing current capacity and responding individually. The Council will hold a special meeting January 23rd on city efforts and actions, as well as to consider “sustainable solutions and collaborative endeavors to combat homelessness.” Members of the Community Services Division and Department of Planning and Development will be participating. In addition, a bipartisan resolution drafted by Ald. Neil Connors (4) to create a subcommittee on housing and homelessness was referred to the Planning, Zoning and Housing Committee (PZH) chaired by Ald. Nate Simpson (1) on January 10. Introducing the resolution Ald. Connors said PZH will determine if the subcommittee can be beneficial to “avoid duplication of efforts, and to bring together all the ideas that community members and stakeholders have to improve the situation facing our unhoused fellow residents.”
Stormwater Infrastructure: In response to a public outcry from two neighborhoods last fall repeatedly flooded from heavy rains, the prior Common Council committed $6 million in funds for the repair of undersized and deteriorated stormwater and sewer mains in the Allen Street-Hampton-Roxbury Road and Overlook and McKinley Avenue neighborhoods. Citizen action led by Frank and Sharon Chase and others prodded the city to authorize funds. Although identified for improvements over at least 10 years and problems that go back 30 years, start dates have been repeatedly delayed because of funding issues and use of available funds for other purposes. The delays have continued to take a financial and personal toll on residents experiencing basement flooding and property damages. In November and December the Common Council authorized $161,200 for Public Works’ on-call engineering work for final designs before the projects can begin. These are small but important steps toward the city — working with state and federal governments — to put storm water system upgrades at the top of the capital improvement list and to accelerate green infrastructure practices to sustain homes and neighborhoods.
City AuditStatus: A resolution to re-establish a Council audit subcommittee was favorably recommended by the Administration, Finance and Law Committee (AFL) on January 3rd for Council approval at the January 24th meeting. The audit sub-committee, adhering to state law that says the Council is the “appointing authority” for auditors, will review and approve “all items relating to the selection of an independent auditor for the City of New Britain.” The AFL Committee will also review the findings of the delayed 2022 audit that was not available until mid-December. Consequently, the 2023 audit, due on December 31st, will be delayed. Progress by the Finance Department will be monitored on correcting weaknesses that led to delay and non-compliance.
The City Budget For 2025: In June the Common Council will adopt a municipal budget for the year that begins July 1, 2024 that will maintain essential services and set new priorities. Last year’s record property tax increases were a reminder that the task of arriving at a fiscally responsible plan that addresses community needs will be as challenging as ever.
The budget process begins this month with city departments and the Board of Education proposing their expenditures. The Board of Finance and Taxation will hold hearings in February on the proposed budgets and will send recommendations for operating expenses, capital improvements and the tax rate to the Mayor. By April 10th the Mayor’s Proposed Budget will go to the Common Council. The Council will schedule a public hearing in April. After its review the Council will adopt the budget on June 5th and send it to the Mayor.
Through every step of the budget-making process hearing from citizens at public participation will be essential to arriving at a fair budget that meets the community’s needs without a dollar wasted in the new fiscal year.
Francisco Santiago, President Pro Tempore, John McNamara, Majority Leader and Iris Sanchez, Assistant Majority Leader
New Britain Alderman John McNamara 