Stratford Mayor Proposes $278 Million Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2027
Stratford Mayor Proposes $278 Million Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, Focuses on Economic Growth and Community Investment
STRATFORD, CT — In a bold move aimed at fostering economic growth and enhancing community services, Stratford Mayor David Chess has unveiled a proposed operating budget of $278 million for fiscal year 2027. This budget reflects a 4.51 percent increase—approximately $12 million—over the previous year’s approved budget.
One of the most notable aspects of the proposal is a significant reduction in the mill rate, which will drop to 28.27 mills, down 11.93 mills or 29.67 percent from the 40.2 mills set for fiscal year 2026. This decrease follows a comprehensive revaluation completed last October, which saw property values in Stratford rise substantially.
Mayor Chess emphasized that his budget is built around three core priorities: “1 – Growing our economy to ease the tax burden on property owners; 2 – Investing in our children’s education; and 3 – Rebuilding the sense of community that makes Stratford home.”
In a letter to the Town Council, Chess urged departments to be conservative in their budget requests, stating, “This budget reflects that discipline while making important investments in our future and working to build a solid financial foundation.”
Despite the budget increase, Chess noted a projected decline in non-property tax revenue, which is expected to total $58 million—down approximately $837,200 or 1.44 percent from the previous year. He attributed this decrease to the impacts of the recent revaluation, which significantly altered the town’s Grand List.
As of October 1, 2025, Stratford’s Net Grand List stands at $8,044,562,549, marking a staggering 50 percent increase from the prior year. Chess pointed out that residential property values surged by nearly 80 percent since the last revaluation in 2019, while commercial property values rose by only 22 percent. This shift has placed a heavier tax burden on residential homeowners, prompting Chess to prioritize business development to expand the commercial tax base.
“Economic development is not just an economic issue, but also a vital quality-of-life priority for my administration,” Chess stated, underscoring the need to balance the tax burden more equitably.
The proposed budget also includes several key initiatives aimed at enhancing community welfare. Notable highlights include:
- A decrease in the sewer tax for residential property owners from $569 to $525, redistributing a larger share of the tax to commercial owners.
- Expanded tax relief programs for veterans, seniors, and residents with disabilities.
- Increased staffing levels to reduce overtime costs across multiple departments.
- The allocation of two full-time staff positions dedicated to grant writing, which has already secured millions in funding for various community projects.
- Investments in new technology to improve operational efficiency and decision-making.
Chess also introduced a new approach to the town’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team, which is set to become self-funded for the first time this year.
“Our long-term plan must reduce Stratford’s reliance on bonding and borrowing for capital improvements,” Chess wrote, announcing the establishment of a capital investment fund with a budget of $2 million. He also outlined a funding strategy to address necessary upgrades to the WPCA sewage facility, aiming to reduce costs for residents while increasing the fund balance by over $2.5 million.
As the Town Council prepares to review the proposed budget, Mayor Chess remains committed to transparency and community engagement, stating, “We are doing so transparently, sharing everything we’re working on and using as many communication platforms as possible to reach residents.”
With a focus on fiscal responsibility and community investment, Mayor Chess’s budget proposal sets the stage for a transformative year ahead for Stratford.