Democratic-led BET advances a budget focused on essential upgrades while preserving lowest mill rate
On May 11, 2026, the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) will present the unanimously approved budget recommendation to the RTM for a vote. The $542.4 million budget was designed to strike a balance between keeping our taxes low while making critical long-delayed investments in infrastructure, high-quality services and premier schools that define Greenwich.
Investing in our town: key projects
A central focus of this year’s plan is a renewed commitment to projects that residents have been demanding for yearsand that directly impact safety and community life.
The largest of these is the $41.2 million replacement of the aging Dorothy Hamill Rink, which will proceed only after strict financial milestones are met, including a formal business plan and fundraising strategy, as well as meeting Planning and Zoning requirements.
At Greenwich High School, funding will support soil remediation, the design of a new swimming pool, and upgrades to the tennis courts. Julian Curtiss School will receive funding for the final phase of its renovations, and the Byram River Bridge—critical to public safety—will be replaced. Further, the BET funded needed investments in our senior center, as well as public, pedestrian, and traffic safety. These projects represent essential investments in the town’s core infrastructure.
Lowest mill rate in Connecticut
The proposed mill rate is 10.12, giving Greenwich the distinction of the lowest mill rate in the state. Of note, property taxes will be $6.2 million lower than the amount initially proposed by First Selectman Fred Camillo in January. This outcome was accomplished through collaboration with Greenwich’s departments and through detailed work and fiscal discipline of the Democratic-led BET. Further, the tax levy is intended to begin to address past underinvestment in infrastructure and strengthen the town’s financial position over time.
Efficiency, innovation, and collaboration
Given rising healthcare and contractual obligation costs, the town is pursuing savings opportunities. There are ongoing opportunities to improve budgeting processes, evaluate key performance indicators and service levels, and increase adoption of technology. Notably, a new task force (BET Vice Chairman, Matt DesChamps will be a member) will be exploring how artificial intelligence and other technological upgrades can streamline operations, reduce administrative burdens, and improve service delivery.
The unanimous 12–0 vote underscores the collaborative nature of this budget. Developed through months of coordination among the BET, the First Selectman’s Office, town departments, and Greenwich Public Schools, the plan demonstrates a shared commitment to efficiency, innovation, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
BET chair David Weisbrod observed, “This budget reflects our community’s core values: delivering high-quality town services, supporting our premier schools, and investing in the essential infrastructure that sustains our quality of life.”
Old Greenwich School renovation is finally underway
Many residents will recall the protracted efforts by Board of Estimate and Taxation Democrats to overcome delays and secure funding approval for a renovation of Old Greenwich School. After years of planning and work by the Board of Education and Old Greenwich School Building Committee (OGSBC), the long-anticipated renovation is officially underway.
Construction began during April break at the more than 120-year-old school. The project will bring the beloved neighborhood landmark into ADA and fire code compliance, address issues with basement sewage backups, create a secure front entrance, and improve indoor air quality.
The multi-phase project is expected to run through January 2029, with early activity already visible, including fencing and removal of the old playground. Phase 1A includes construction of a new kindergarten addition and updated outdoor space, setting the stage for broader improvements across the campus.
Careful planning to keep students in place
The work is being carried out in carefully sequenced phases with a central priority of minimizing disruption to students and staff. The site is monitored for noise levels and air quality, to ensure safety and continuity of learning.
“This work is about delivering on a promise to the community,” said Selectwoman and OGSBC liaison Rachel Khanna. “We’re preserving what people love about Old Greenwich School while making critical upgrades, so every student can learn in a safe, accessible, and healthy environment.”
Keep up to date on all the exciting progress at the Building Committee website.
What we’re reading
As noted in an editorial written by members of Connecticut’s leading environmental groups, solar saved the grid at least $8.2 million—and potentially more than twice that sum—on just one day in June 2025. The groups say that our legislators must make it easier this session for residents and businesses to install solar panels if they hope to lower electric bills for everyone. “Connecticut’s reliance on fossil fuels has long been a cause of our high energy prices, poor air quality and energy reliability concerns. Energy bills have been going up and up and will likely rise even more dramatically due to the energy crisis created by the Iran War.” Read their editorial here.
Action Calendar
May 15. Drop in.
Join Greenwich Selectwoman Rachel Khanna for coffee and conversation. Hear about what’s happening in town and bring your questions or comments. 1-2 p.m., Coffee for Good, 48 Maple Avenue.
May 17. Play.
Join us for Popsicles in the Playground. Bring the whole family, enjoy a popsicle, and share a chance to meet other families, make new friends, and chat about what’s happening around town in a welcoming, easygoing setting. All are welcome—especially those new to Greenwich! Meet at 1:30 p.m. at the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center playground, 449 Pemberwick Road. Questions? Contact us.
May 20. Learn.
The League of Women Voters hosts tax assessor Lauren Elliott and BET chair David Weisbrod for a conversation about the town’s recent revaluations, with new property values to be reflected on tax bills as of July 1. 11 a.m., Zoom only. Register here.
May 20. Gather.
Greenwich Democrats monthly meeting. Open to all Democrats in town. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Town Hall Meeting Room.
| Volume 4, Number 44 • April 30, 2026 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |