BET’s transparent, collaborative approach delivers results
The Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) just achieved an important milestone—unanimous approval of the FY 2026–27 budget—passed with a 12-0 vote and applause. The proposal next moves to the town legislature, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), for final review.
This year’s budget reflects a thoughtful, collaborative process—one that brought together BET members, town departments, and community input to balance fiscal discipline with our town’s evolving needs. Under Democratic leadership, the BET has worked to modernize how we approach budgeting: taking a careful, deliberate look at both near-term priorities and long-term obligations.
Strong fiscal stewardship
Take note that the BET was able to reduce the First Selectman’s initial budget request by more than $6 million. This savings was achieved through close collaboration with departments and a detailed review of spending, rather than arbitrary, across-the-board cuts. Thanks to careful budgeting and growth of our grand list, the mill rate of 10.12 comes in under what the First Selectman had proposed and keeps Greenwich’s property tax rate the lowest in Connecticut.
The budget takes a balanced approach—identifying efficiencies where possible while continuing to invest in the people and services that support daily life in Greenwich. Adjustments to headcount are paired with targeted investments where departments have demonstrated clear need. The Board of Education’s operating request was fully funded—without the friction seen in prior years.
Investing in infrastructure and community priorities
The BET has been listening to residents’ input. The budget moves forward a number of important projects that support safety, sustainability, and quality of life, including:
- Sidewalk improvements on Indian Field Road
- Replacement of the Dearfield/Grove culvert to reduce flooding risk
- Continued progress on a new Hamill Rink—with recent support from namesake Dorothy Hamill—alongside improvements to the Holly Hill Transfer Station and upgrades to Roger Sherman Baldwin Park
- Approving town purchase of electric leaf blowers in compliance with local ordinance
Planning for the long term
This year’s budget begins to address the $1.6 billion backlog in longer-term capital needs in a structured way. The BET is taking a vital first step towards avoiding a “fiscal cliff” by incrementally increasing the capital tax levy, establishing a more sustainable path for funding the town’s future infrastructure requirements. The framework was developed in coordination with the BET’s newly reactivated Debt and Fund Balance Policy Committee and the RTM’s Budget Overview, Finance, and Parks and Recreation Committees.
A process that reflects the community
Equally important is how this budget came together—with open dialogue, careful consideration, and productive input from all 12 BET members. It reflects a shared commitment to getting the details right and building a plan that works for Greenwich today and in the years ahead. “Our goals remain clear,” BET Chairman David Weisbrod affirmed. “We’re focused on maintaining the high standard of services you cherish, ensuring tax stability, and funding critical infrastructure through a thoughtful, long-term lens.”
As the RTM begins its budget review, this collaborative approach sets a strong foundation for the next year’s budget cycle—and for continued progress in keeping Greenwich a premier place to live, work, and raise a family.
Over 1,200 rally in Greenwich to say ‘No Kings’
On Saturday, Greenwich joined more than 3,300 communities across the country, and the world, in a united day of protest against the growing authoritarianism of the Trump administration. Branded the “No Kings” rally, the demonstration drew on a core American principle: that this nation was founded to reject the rule of monarchs.
Organized by Indivisible Greenwich, the peaceful rally brought more than 1,200 people to the steps of the Havemeyer Building in the middle of Greenwich Avenue. Participants stood alongside an estimated 8 million Americans nationwide—what organizers say is the largest protest in U.S. history. This marked the third “No Kings” protest since the start of the second Trump administration, with participation surging by millions.
At the rally, Governor Ned Lamont noted that for its 250-year history, America has steadily expanded rights for more Americans. “For the first time in many years, we now have a president of the United States who is trying to roll back those very same rights,” Lamont said. “We’re not going to let it happen.”
State and federal leaders addressed the crowd, including U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Jim Himes, state Attorney General William Tong, and State Representatives Hector Arzeno and Steve Meskers. Speakers highlighted ongoing efforts to fight back against the federal overreach. Tong noted that his office has filed more than 50 legal challenges against the administration since last January to protect Connecticut residents.
“The realm of the mad king is as ugly as ever,” Himes told the crowd. “Gas prices are up. Healthcare is unaffordable, the president and his people continue to show utter disregard for the law and our Constitution. And we are now in a senseless, strategy-free war that has already taken the lives of 13 precious Americans. Here we stand to say this is not who we are.”
Campaign trail update
The 2026 campaign season has started and some candidates have announced bids in the run up to the critical November 3 elections. Last week, at the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee (DTC) meeting, State Representative Hector Arzeno declared he is running for a third term in the State House (151st district). And Greenwich DTC members rallied behind all 34 delegates pledged to Jill Oberlander’s State Senate candidacy (36th district). Oberlander is well known in town from her service as BET chair and on the Board of Selectmen. Now’s the time to get involved in the Arzeno and Oberlander campaigns.
What we’re reading
As March Madness is reaching a fever pitch, with both the UConn women’s and men’s basketball teams making the Final Four, it’s fitting to spotlight some hometown winners. The Greenwich High School (GHS) girls basketball team won the CIAC Division I State Championship at Mohegan Sun on March 21. This is their first state title and the future looks bright for this team bolstered by two sophomore stars. And a shout-out also goes to the GHS Varsity Cheer team that just brought home Connecticut’s 2026 Team of the Year accolade. Another first!
Action Calendar
April 10. Converse.
Join Selectwoman Rachel Khanna for coffee and conversation at Coffee for Good. Hear about what’s happening in town and bring your feedback and questions. 1 p.m., 48 Maple Avenue.
April 13. Engage.
Greenwich Democrats are proud to host a conversation with Congressman Jamie Raskin at 6 p.m. The public is invited to register and attend this fundraiser. Tickets start at $500 per person. All funds solicited in connection with this event are by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee, and not by Congressman Jamie Raskin.
April 17. Learn.
Selectwoman Rachel Khanna will be hosting a conversation with state Treasurer Erick Russell about investing in the future of Connecticut, at 4 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room, 101 Field Point Road. A Zoom option is available.
April 18. Clean up.
The Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Foundation hosts its annual Earth Day Clean-Up & Beautification event from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Mianus River Park. Volunteers will meet at the 450 Cognewaugh Road, Cos Cob entrance.
April 19. Make a difference.
Join us and Rise Against Hunger at First Congregational Church in Old Greenwich to help package meals to feed communities in need. This is a family-friendly event. Please register in advance here or at the door. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 108 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich.
| Volume 4, Number 40 • April 2, 2026 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |