Bloomfield Messenger Article published May 23, 2025.

VOTE NO on the Town Council Adopted Budget –Because Our Taxpayers Can’t Afford Another Tax Hike

On May 28, we face an important choice. Do we reward a budget that hikes our taxes, drains our savings, and spends without accountability—or do we demand better?

I’ve lived in Bloomfield for over 20 years. I’ve served this town. I’ve seen what responsible budgeting looks like—and this isn’t it.

The Town Council Adopted Budget raises taxes at a time when families are already stretched thin. Even after revaluation—which should have lowered the tax rate—they’re raising the mill rate nearly 4%, pushing tax bills even higher.

Here’s where your money is really going:
• $4 MILLION pulled from the town’s reserves to create an Economic Development Trust Fund—without a public vote. No transparency, no input. Just gone.
• Another $3.75 MILLION drained from our savings account just to balance this bloated budget.
• Department spending is exploding:
  - The Town Manager’s Office is up 30%.
  - The Finance Department is up 78%.

When we raise concerns, they don’t offer answers—they offer threats. They talk about cutting trash pickup or canceling events. That’s not budgeting. That’s fear-mongering.

Let’s be clear:
• A NO vote does not cut essential services.
• A NO vote does not hurt our schools.
• A NO vote says: Do your job. Be responsible. Respect the taxpayers.

This budget doesn’t reflect our priorities—it reflects poor planning and bad choices. We deserve a budget that works for us, not just for Town Hall.

Just over a week ago, Bloomfield residents made history. For the first time since the town charter was changed—from a system where voters could approve or reject the budget at a town meeting, to one that requires 7.5% of all registered voters to trigger a referendum—residents rose to the occasion. In less than seven days, we collected 1,233 petition signatures, successfully forcing a townwide vote on this budget.

Now, we need over 3,000 Bloomfield residents to come out and vote NO on May 28. That’s because for the result to count, at least 15% of registered voters must participate in the referendum. Your voice matters—and your vote is our best chance to demand fiscal responsibility and accountability.

You Have a Choice.

A YES vote means higher taxes.
A NO vote means demanding a better budget.

You can roll the dice, wait until July 1st, and be shocked by your tax bill…
Or you can vote NO on May 28 and send a message now.

Don’t let regret show up in your mailbox.
Vote NO on the Town Council Adopted Budget.

This isn’t about politics—it’s about principles. It’s about protecting your wallet, your community, and your voice.

On May 28, vote NO on the Town Council Adopted Budget. Let’s take our town in the right direction. Let’s send a message that can’t be ignored.