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Avon Launches 2026-27 Budget Process

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 12:58 GMT by Patch
      Locales: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

Avon, Connecticut - February 9th, 2026 - The Town of Avon has officially launched its meticulous, multi-stage budget process for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Town officials are emphasizing the importance of resident engagement as they navigate the complex task of balancing community needs with responsible fiscal management. The budget development process is expected to span several months, culminating in a final approved budget that will shape the provision of town services for the coming year.

Town Manager Bruce Charest underscored the critical role of public input, stating, "This is the start of a long process, and resident participation is very important." The Town Council aims to foster transparency and collaboration, recognizing that a successful budget reflects the values and priorities of the entire Avon community.

Key Focus Areas: Education, Safety, and Infrastructure

The upcoming budget discussions are poised to center around four core areas: education, public safety, infrastructure, and general town services. Each of these sectors presents unique challenges and opportunities for investment.

Education: Avon's schools have consistently ranked highly within the state, and maintaining that standard requires ongoing investment. Discussions are expected to focus on funding for teacher salaries, classroom resources, special education programs, and potential capital improvements to school facilities. With increasing enrollment projected in several grades, the budget must address capacity concerns and ensure quality education remains accessible to all students. Funding for innovative programs, such as STEM initiatives and arts education, will also likely be a key point of debate. The impact of state-level education funding cuts, or increases, will be a significant factor.

Public Safety: Ensuring the safety and well-being of residents is paramount. The budget will likely address the needs of the Avon Police Department and the Avon Volunteer Fire Department. Potential discussions could include funding for updated equipment, additional personnel, enhanced training programs, and improvements to emergency response capabilities. The increasing demands on emergency services, driven by an aging population and potential increases in call volume, will need to be considered. The town will also likely review options for bolstering cybersecurity measures to protect vital town systems and resident data.

Infrastructure: Avon's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, and public transportation, is the backbone of the town. The budget must allocate resources for routine maintenance, repairs, and long-term capital projects. Aging infrastructure presents a significant challenge for many municipalities, and Avon is no exception. Discussions are anticipated to focus on prioritizing critical infrastructure upgrades to prevent costly failures and ensure the continued reliability of essential services. Sustainability initiatives, such as investments in renewable energy and water conservation, may also be considered as part of the infrastructure planning process. The town's ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, promoting alternative transportation options, will likely feature in these discussions.

Town Services: This broad category encompasses a wide range of services provided to residents, including parks and recreation, library services, community programs, and administrative functions. Maintaining the quality of these services while controlling costs will be a key challenge for the Town Council. Discussions may focus on optimizing service delivery, exploring opportunities for shared services with neighboring towns, and leveraging technology to improve efficiency. The budget will also need to address the rising costs of employee benefits and insurance.

Public Engagement Opportunities

The first public hearing is scheduled for February 13th at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall. This hearing will provide residents with an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns about the proposed budget. The Town Council encourages all residents to attend and participate in the process.

Beyond the initial hearing, the Town Council will hold a series of board meetings and workshops throughout the budget development process. These meetings will be open to the public and provide further opportunities for input. A complete schedule of meetings, along with relevant budget documents, can be found on the town's website: [ https://www.avonct.gov/ ]. The town website will also feature live streaming of the meetings for residents unable to attend in person.

The council is also exploring innovative methods for gathering resident feedback, including online surveys and virtual town hall meetings. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that all voices are heard as Avon prepares its 2026-27 budget.