City Council Approves Budget With Education Increase and No Tax Increase

The New Britain City Council approved the city budget that allocates $13.3 million more for education and no tax increase by a 9 to 5 vote. The budget incorporates the $13.3 million increase state education aid and the $4.6 million in other state aid to the city that Mayor Bobby Sanchez (D) and state legislations had announced earlier this month.

When Mayor Sanchez initially proposed his budget on April 15, he presented a plan with no mill rate increase, flat overall spending, and a $1 million increase to the permanent operating budget for the school system (a 0.78% increase). This baseline increase was more than double the average annual percentage increase (0.34%) seen over the previous twelve years under former Mayor Erin Stewart (R).

The amendment to that proposed budget, unanimously approved Wednesday, introduced by Alderman Francisco Santiago (D-5), allocated the $13.3 million in state education aid to the non-operating education grant line. The approved amendment also allocated a $1.3 million increase to the medical self-insurance fund and directed $500,000 to complete funding for improvements to Willow Street Park.

The measure adjusted the budget’s revenue side by incorporating a $4.6 million increase in state non-education aid and the $13.3 million increase in state education aid. Additionally, the amendment reduced the amount drawn from the city’s fund balance by $2 million. Discussion and amendments were considered on education funding that were not approved.

The finalized city budget for the upcoming fiscal year (July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027) was adopted by a final vote of 9-5.

During an April 28 budget hearing, a standing-room-only crowd expressed concern that without a significant increase in funds, the school system would be unable to maintain current educational services amid rising costs. The New Britain Racial Justice Coalition, had said that the non-operating funding line, not being funded, would have resulted in an overall education funding drop of approximately $1.6 million (-1.24%).

The budget now approved by the Council allocates $13.3 million to that non-operating grant line.

The approved city budget takes effect on July 1st and continues to June 30, 2027.