Municipal Government – New Britain Alderman John McNamara

Education Funding, Traffic/Safety Concerns Raised at Mayor’s Ward 4 Meeting

Mayor Bobby Sanchez took his first-year listening tour to Ward 4 on June 27 where residents shared concerns on speeding, traffic enforcement, public safety and support for schools in a wide-ranging, two-hour discussion.

The meeting held at Saint Francis Church Hall drew more than 30 persons with the mayor and other officials. Joining Sanchez were State Rep. David DeFronzo (D-25), Alderwoman Luz Otiz-Luna (D-4), Alderman John McNamara (D-4), Police Chief Matt Marino and Suzanne Bielinski, Chair of the city’s Police Commission.

Ward 4 Common Council Update – July 2026

Residents cited excessive speeding “day and night” on the roads, ignoring stop signs and groups of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes and mini motorcycles. Mentioned as trouble spots were Carlton Street, Farmington Avenue, Country Club and Alexander Roads, among others, in Ward 4.

Mayor Sanchez and Chief Marino urged residents to contact the New Britain Police Department (NBPD) about incidents and “hot spots” that have been the subject of Common Council petitions. Officials said it is important to report when and where incidents are occurring. “You just have to keep letting us know,” said Chief Marino. “The more you call the more it helps,” said Rep. DeFronzo.

The NBPD Traffic Division may be reached at 860-826-3070 or by contacting Sgt. Adam Capowski, adam.capowski@newbritainct.gov. A new “community tip line” is also available for reporting crime information anonymously at 860-826-3199.

To reduce speeding the Sanchez Administration is moving ahead in two ways:

Removable speed humps will be introduced on a trial basis in city parks, according to Sanchez. “I would like to hear from the community where residents would like to see speed humps.” (Following the Ward 4 meeting Sanchez announced humps will get a tryout on park roads).

The City awaits CT Department of Transportation’s (DOT) approval to introduce ATESD traffic cameras (Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices) in school zones as part of the Vision Zero Action Plan to reduce auto and pedestrian accidents. Last January, the Common Council adopted an automated camera implementation plan to submit to the state. Possible locations for speed enforcement cameras in Ward 4 include Alexander Road, Barbour Road, Blake Road and Farmington Avenue near Pulaski Middle School.

Sanchez agreed that more police officers are needed for enforcement throughout the city in response to questions on staffing levels at NBPD. Recent transfers and retirements require new hires this year and the application for entry-level patrol officers is currently available. Chief Marino said it takes just under a year for qualified candidates to join the force. The starting salary is $58,873 annually.

Chief Marino and Rep. DeFronzo, saying combining resources among schools and organizations can help, pointed to the value of school partnerships to engage middle- and high school students as part of juvenile diversion strategies. Extra-curricular activities will head off negative behaviors in and out of school, they said, citing programs such as ROOTS youth agriculture and nutrition program and police-led “new age” D.A.R.E. programs.

On the recently adopted municipal budget and support for education for the fiscal year that began July 1, Mayor Sanchez said his efforts with the city’s legislative delegation succeeded in New Britain obtaining a $13.3 million increase in state school aid to avert teacher layoffs and program cuts.

The municipal budget of $286,164,960 that holds the property tax mill rate at 39.18 includes the one-time $13.3 million in state school aid and $4.6 million in additional state aid to municipal government. The budget includes a $1 million increase in local school aid also known as the minimum basic requirement (MBR) and $450,000 more for schools in savings from the self-insurance fund. Over the last 12 years the MBR has for the most part been flat, a factor in New Britain’s low ranking in local aid that contributed to the growing funding gap this year.

To give public schools sustainable sources of funding and avert double-digit funding shortfalls, Sanchez and other officials said they will push for an increase in the state’s Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) formula that fell short in the budget adjustments made this year. The General Assembly is expected to take up a change in ECS grants to increase the current $11,525 per student allocation that has not been increased since 2013.

Mayor’s Listening Tour In Ward 4, Saturday, June 27

Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D- New Britain) brings his Listening Tour to Ward 4, Saturday, June 27th, at 10 a.m. to hear from residents about neighborhood issues and municipal services.

The meeting will be held at Saint Francis Church, 1755 Stanley Street.

Sanchez is expected to be joined by other elected officials including State Rep. David DeFronzo (D-26) and Ward 4 Alderpersons Luz Ortiz-Luna and John McNamara.

The Ward 4 meetings is one of a series of ward and neighborhood meetings Mayor Sanchez is holding in his first year.

City Updates Purchasing and Bid Policy for First Time in 11 Years

New Britain Common Council Update

Municipal bidding procedures for the purchase of supplies and contractual services have been revised “for greater consistency and efficiency” for the first time in more than 11 years. The Common Council amended Chapter VIII of the ordinances at its June 10th meeting, increasing the threshold for competitive bidding from $7,500 to $25,000.

The revision exempting purchases and contracting under $25,000 aligns with Connecticut statutes governing municipal finance allowing cities and towns to establish bidding policies through charter or ordinances. The state upped the statutory exemption to $50,000 in 2024. However, $25,000 is more commonly used in CT cities, New Britain joins Hartford, New Haven, Norwich and Middletown and others that set the exemption at $25,000 before the bid process begins.

The Common Council last raised the exemption in 2015 from $3,000 to $7,500. Since that time overall prices for goods and services have increased 41 percent, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increasing an average of more than three percent per year.

For all purchases and contracts over $25,000 open, competitive bidding will be required by “a formal, written contract from the lowest responsible bidder” subject to approval by the Common Council. Under the ordinance the Common Council receives monthly reports of all purchases between $500 and $25,000 with the name of the vendor, owners and the “dollar amount spent on each individual purchase and the aggregate total for the fiscal year.”

Municipal departments and the School District will be able to address needs for repairs, equipment and services more efficiently by obtaining, for example, quotes from qualified vendors without turning to a full bidding process for purchases under $25,000, according to city officials,

The ordinance change is expected to end an on-call vendor list created and used during the Stewart Administration that allowed up to $100,000 in expenditures for a range of trade work, acquisitions and services without competitive bidding. In April, 2025 Common Council Democrats pushed back on the $100,000 threshold for on-call work, reducing the amount to $37,500 in an amended resolution . The $37,500 exemption expires on June 30th at the end of the fiscal year, and the $25,000 threshold will now apply uniformly for addressing electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, building envelope, masonry, and interior repairs and supplies for city and school buildings in a timely manner.

In other Council actions on June 10th

Downtown Tax District Mill Rate Set at 2.75 for 2027 Fiscal Year

The Common Council approved a flat mill rate of 2.75 mills for the city’s Downtown District (NBDD) in support of the district’s $308,728 budget for the new fiscal year that was approved by the District’s Board of Commissioners in May. Approximately 100 property owners will pay the 2.75 mill rate tax that is expected to raise $243,028 in fiscal year 2027. The NBDD is a quasi-public entity that operates apart from municipal government.

The Downtown District was established in 1983 under state law allowing special tax districts over and above municipal property taxes with boundaries limited to the immediate downtown area or other areas cities can designate for improvement and economic development. In addition to marketing downtown the NBDD sponsors a “Clean & Safe Ambassador Program”, a retail improvement program and special events.

Municipal Valuation Services of Fairfield Picked Again for Next Property Revaluation

The Common Council approved a new contract for Municipal Valuation Services of Fairfield (Munival) for the city’s next property revaluation The firm, which has conducted re-assessments in New Britain previously and performs the services in other CT municipalities, will re-appraise all taxable and exempt real property for tax purposes and set new values by October 1, 2027.

Munival responded successfully to the request for proposals to perform the work with the City Assessor that is required under state law every five years with approval of a $250,000. Costs for the revaluation will be spread over two fiscal years.

Flag Raising, Resolution Marks Pride Month

New Britain recognized “Pride in the City” month with a flag raising at Central Park led by Mayor Bobby Sanchez and State Treasurer Erick Russell and a June 10th Common Council resolution acknowledging the importance of treating all residents with
dignity, fairness, civility, and mutual respect” and recognizing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, questioning (LGBTQ+), and allied residents, families, workers, business owners, public servants, educators, volunteers, and community members have contributed to the civic, economic, cultural, and social life of New Britain.”

This update provided by John McNamara, a Ward 4 Alderman and the Common Council Majority Leader. For more information john,mcnamara@newbritainct.gov

DPW Picks Streets for Re-Paving This Summer

Governor Street, McKinley Drive, Eastwick Court and Eastwick Road to Get New Surfaces In Ward 4

All or portions of 23 streets in the city have been selected for the 2026 re-paving program this summer by the Department of Public Works.

Ward 4 streets selected for milling and new pavements include Governor Street, McKinley Drive, Eastwick Court and Eastwick Road. The Ward 4 streets are where the Outlook/McKinley Drive drainage project has involved detours and extensive infrastructure work over the last 18 months.

The work will be performed by contractors retained by the city and is scheduled to begin June 22. The re-paving is expected to last six weeks. For the majority of streets, the rehabilitation work involves milling off the top 2 inches of existing pavement and then installing 2 inches of new pavement.

The public works web page will provide daily updates on where the work is occurring. New Britain Paving Management Program.

View the 2026 Citywide Milling and Paving Map

Map shows streets in Ward 4 where re-paving will occur this summer (DPW)

At its April 8th meeting the Common Council authorized use of $2 million in the current budget for milling and paving work this year using state town aid through the Local Capital Improvement Program (LOCIP). Contractors selected through the state’s cooperative program include Tilcon Connecticut of New Britain ($1,775,000) and Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming of Bloomfield ($225,000).

*Map shows streets on lower east side in Ward 2 area slated for re-paving*

— Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara. john.mcnamara@newbritainct.gov

Council to Review Budget with Department Heads; May 15 is Deadline for Elderly Tax Relief

The Common Council will hold three meetings (May 5,6,7) to review the Mayor’s proposed budget for the July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027.

City departments under the jurisdiction of the Planning, Zoning and Housing Committee (PZH) will be reviewed Tuesday, May 5. The Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services Committee (AFLPS) will continue the review on Wednesday, May 6. The AFLPS Committee will devote the Thursday, May 7 meeting to the school district budget with the Superintendent and Board of Education. All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 27 West Main Street.

COMMON COUNCIL UPDATE

The proposed $272,512,376 from Mayor Bobby Sanchez calls for level spending that keeps the property tax mill rate flat at 39.18. The current year budget is $273,492,952, only $19,424 less than the new one.

In presenting his first budget to the Council on April 15th, Sanchez said that his budget is “without cuts to services or city staffing, achieving savings with work for greater efficiencies” and prioritizes “investments in infrastructure, quality of life and neighborhood improvement.” On education, the mayor raises the Minimum Basic Requirement (MBR) in local school aid by $1 million to $129 million to establish a sustainable path to school funding without resorting to one-time, non-operating funds not immediately available to the Board of Education. The flat funding of the MBR in previous years has resulted in New Britain ranking near the bottom in local aid.

As deliberations move forward on the city budget a substantial boost in both education aid and town aid was adopted by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Lamont on May 2nd that will increase revenues by $17,063,809, including $13,292,120 for schools and $4,671,689 in the municipal budget. The increases will be added to the estimates proposed by the mayor for 2026-2027. The estimate of $72,360,710 in state aid for education will increase to $85,652,830, an 18.3 percent increase over what was appropriated in the two-year state budget adopted last year.

The 132-page newly formatted budget book from the Sanchez Administration contains departmental overviews and summaries of proposed expenditures and revenues that more clearly explain allocations and revenues than General Fund budgets of previous years when a 315-page spreadsheet document was provided. Appendices provide a line-by-line breakdown.

Following subcommittees’ review, the municipal budget will be sent on to the Common Council for final action and adoption.

Property Tax Relief Deadline is May 15 for Elderly Homeowners

Eligible individuals and couples age 65 or individuals who are permanently disabled have until May 15 to apply for property tax relief under the Connecticut property tax circuit breaker tax credit program.

The law applies to homeowners or persons who hold a tenancy for life if their 2025 incomes did not exceed $46,300 for single/widowed individuals or married persons with incomes of $56,500 or less.

Eligibility to apply is based on the Grand list of Oct.1, 2025 and ownership, according to the City Assessor’s Office. The Assessors office or the Senior Center may require all other proofs of income that may be necessary for the certification of the claim (Senior Center, 55 Pearl Street 860 826-3553). Applications are available at the Assessor’s office or the Senior Center.

Eligibility requirements include being at least 65 years of age as of December 31, 2025 or over 18 and permanently disabled. Your 2025 income cannot exceed $56,500 if you’re married or $46,300 if you’re single/widowed. Applicants must provide the Assessor’s office (27 West Main Street) or the New Britain Senior Center with a copy of your 2025 federal income tax return if you file one, and a copy of your 2025 Social Security 1099 form.

John McNamara is an Alderman from Ward 4 and the Common Council Majority Leader.

http://nbpoliticus.com/2026/05/03/common-council-to-review-budget-with-department-heads-may-15-is-deadline-to-apply-for-elderly-tax-relief/

Common Council Update: City Upgrades Cyber Security, Recognizes Earth Day & OKs Road Paving Funds

Common Council OKs New Cybersecurity System

The Common Council appropriated funds for new cybersecurity services at its April 8th meeting in the wake of a January “ransomware” attack on the city’s information technology operations.

Approved was a three-year agreement with Cowbell MDR (Managed Detection and Response) for information technology (IT) systems at City Hall as part of the restoration and upgrades being implemented by the Sanchez administration since the January 28th attack. The City IT network was breached paralyzing phones and computers across departments. Officials said emergency services were not impaired, only internal systems in the municipal government. The city is providing credit monitoring and identify protection services for employees. To date “the scope of any potential impact remains under active review.”

Immediately after the incident on January 30th, Mayor Bobby Sanchez announced that the IT department responded to contain damage. “We are working closely with state and federal partners, law enforcement, and outside cybersecurity expert. to investigate the incident and restore systems safely and securely,” Sanchez said.

According to the April 8th resolution introduced by Council President and Ward 5 Alderman Francisco Santiago, Cowbell MDR “is a fully managed detection and response service that provides continuous monitoring, threat detection, and response across endpoint, identity and cloud applications.” The MDR “gives 24/7 visibility into potential threats and support to investigate and contain issues before they escalate.”

The Cowbell MDR system aligns with security improvements deemed necessary by the city’s cyber insurance coverage and includes a “$25,000 breach response fund” with the acquisition that adds “an extra layer of protection operationally and financially.” The Council authorized the city to engage the Cowbell MDR service with a three-year agreement at $66,000 a year, funds available in a maintenance contract account in the the Department of Support Services.

New Britain Recognizes Earth Day 56; Re-Commits to Sustainability, Environmental Protection

The city’s commitment to preserving natural resources and sustainability was affirmed this month with a resolution recognizing Earth Day. April 22nd marks the 56th anniversary of the first Earth Day. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson is credited with mobilizing environmentalists to start Earth Day in 1970 after a disastrous oil spill in Santa Barbara, CA and unchecked air ans water pollution. The movement led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Ward 3 Alderwoman Candyce Scott introduced the resolution that “promotes conservation, energy efficiency and
the study of the use of clean energy sources” in municipal government and throughout the community. It notes city actions in recent years to promote conservation including use of solar at the New Britain Water Treatment facility and school buildings as they come up for modernization. The city is also updating its zoning ordinances to reflect environmental concerns when new developments occur.

The resolution encourages partnerships among local businesses, schools and organizations to help raise awareness of preserving the environment and preservation of the city’s parks and open spaces. Toward this end the city in recent years has begun to adopt zoning changes that minimize the risk of flooding amid climate change and to ensure new developments and uses of land promote sustainability.

The renewed local commitment to environmental protection comes as the White House and Congressional Republicans have moved to gut protections and discourage use of alternative energy sources in favor of fossil fuels. Groups such as Third Act Connecticut, an organization of older Americans founded by Environmentalist Bill McKibben, are mobilizing locally on environmental and democracy issues.

Funds for Summer Road Paving Approved

The Department of Public Works (DPW) will be announcing streets selected for the annual paving program soon with funds appropriated by the Common Council this month. A total of $2 million is available from the state town aid program and an additional one percent in the city budget for roads.

Under the state’s cooperative purchasing program Tilcon, Inc. has been awarded $1,175,000 for bituminous concrete materials and installation and Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming another $225,000 for the milling and repaving. According to the DPW the Pavement Management Programs is typically based on assigning roads a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) value in selecting the limited number of the city’s 165 miles of roads that can be upgraded each year because of the limitation of funds. In lieu of re-paving, patching and sealing addresses potholes and other problems on a case-by-case basis. The 2026 schedule is expected to be posted online to alert residents with daily reports on progress during the warm weather months.

Ward 4 Alderman John McNamara is the Common Council Majority Leader. For more information john.mcnamara@newbritain.ct.gov and 860-416-0665

City Audit for FY 2025 Finalized on Time

The completion of the 2025 municipal audit on time is welcome news before the Mayor and Common Council begin preparing a budget for the year that begins on July 1st. — John McNamara

Independent auditors delivered New Britain’s financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2025 to city officials and the state Office of Policy and Management ahead of a December 31st deadline after several years of the reports being filed late.

Material weaknesses and noncompliance found in prior years have been corrected, according to the CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), the city’s auditing firm. Auditors found one remaining deficiency in “internal control over financial reporting” that was attributed to “a shortage in staffing.” Recommended in CLA’s Single Audit Report is a formal financial close process “to ensure each fund’s year-end balances are analyzed timely and corrected appropriately.”

Municipalities are expected to complete annual audits by December 31, six months after the close of the fiscal year. Last year’s audit came on March 31.

The audit examined the municipal budget of $269.5 million that set a property tax rate of 39.59 mills for the July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025 year. The tax collection rate “remained steady” at 96.33%.

The Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2025 show general fund revenue increases of $11.1 million from a 1.31 mill rate increase adding $2.8 million, $4 million in additional earnings from interest income, $2.9 million in reimbursements for completed state-funded projects and a $1.4 million increase in police special duty funds from delinquent payments that were received in 2025.

Overall revenues for 2025 totaled $455.8 million including property taxes accounting for 34%, 51% from state and federal grants and external contributions and the balance from other sources.

The audit reported $295.7 million of long-term debt in bonds and outstanding notes, a decrease from $307.6 million in the previous year. The city’s long-term indebtedness for all government activities based on the city’s net position totals $626.374 million. As of last June 30th, fund balances increased to $40.56 million with $14 million in assigned and $26.5 million in unassigned balances.

In their management discussion, auditors discussed the current municipal budget set at $273,493,952, $3.8 million more than 2025. The mill rate dropped this year to 39.18 that was attributed to “a slight increase in property values and the use of $6.7 million in tax stabilization funding.”

The budget process for the 2027 fiscal year begins this month when the Board of Finance and Taxation receives estimates from the Board of Education and city departments.

This post originally published at http://nbpoliticus.com

Support Row A Democrats for A City That Works for Everyone

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.

Council Democrats Dispute Mayor’s Veto of Fair and Balanced Budget

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).

Council Update: Public Hearing On Budget To Be Held April 29th

Common Council Begins Review Of Mayor’s Budget For New Fiscal Year

The Common Council will hold a Public Hearing on the Mayor’s proposed Municipal Budget for the next fiscal year on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers, 27 West Main Street.

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 Britain Common 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.