The New Britain City Council approved a city budget that provides $14,742,120 million more in new funding and savings for the city’s schools, with 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.
Mayor Sanchez praised the Council for approving the budget, saying, “This budget reflects exactly what our administration promised the people of New Britain: fiscal responsibility, investment in our neighborhoods, and a commitment to delivering results without raising taxes. I want to thank the members of the Common Council for their partnership and leadership in approving a budget that prioritizes residents, strengthens city services, and continues moving New Britain forward.”
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 budget approved Wednesday, raised that $1 million increase to the permanent operating budget by another $1 million, bringing the total of that allocation to $130,000,000, the largest increase in years. $450,000 for education more was achieved through savings under medical self insurance. Plus, the $13,292,120 in increased state education aid was allocated to education.
The amendment to the 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.
“Residents expect their government to focus on the basics: safe neighborhoods, strong schools, reliable services, and responsible spending,” Mayor Sanchez said. “We listened to residents, worked through challenges together, and ultimately delivered a budget that reflects the priorities of our community and keeps New Britain moving in the right direction.”
The approved city budget takes effect on July 1st and continues to June 30, 2027.
Editor’s note (5/28/2026): The article was updated with more information, including considerably more allocated to education than reported earlier, and comments by Mayor Sanchez.
