The following is an update from First Selectman Toni Boucher. 

Snowmageddon

Hello, Wilton! We hope the love and warmth of Valentine’s Day carried everyone through the massive double-header of snow storms that hit us this month. Wilton’s Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Jim Blanchfield reports that the first round of 16 inches of snow, followed by this week’s 15 inches accompanied by 40 mph winds, were the worst he has experienced to date. On both occasions, our [Department of Public Works] and Parks and Recreation plow drivers worked 24 straight hours clearing and salting the town streets so that we could all be safely back on the road to work and to school within just one day of these blizzards.

This winter’s severity has taken the whole state by surprise. Salt for roads and sidewalks has become a hot commodity for every municipality, as supplies were depleted and there are few suppliers who sell this critical item. Added to this, were the delivery challenges which have affected every town, statewide. But our resourceful and quick acting Frank Smeriglio, director of Public Works, was able to secure the salt we required and had it ready to deploy as soon the need arose. Other towns have not been so lucky and have had to continue their search. Below, are reminders about what to do in storms of this magnitude, and the responsibility of property owners in their aftermath.

In a Storm

Wilton DPW and Parks & Rec staff work to clear the roads and municipal lots in town. Parked vehicles need to be removed from roadways and municipal parking lots before the storm, or they risk impeding their operations. During the storm, cars should stay off the roads. People should also avoid walking on roadways as visibility is limited and snowplow drivers may not be able to see them, which is extremely dangerous. Private snow plows must not plow snow into public roadways as this causes damage to town plows and trucks, nor should they plow across a roadway onto sidewalks that have to be cleared. Snow from private driveways can only deposited onto the private property that is being cleared. Further regulations as stipulated in the Wilton Town Ordinance are below:

  • §11-3 Responsibility of owner or person in possession or control of land abutting public sidewalk; removal by Town. Whenever the public sidewalk shall be wholly or partially covered by snow or ice, it shall be the duty of the owner or person in possession and/or control of land abutting a public sidewalk to cause such sidewalk to be made safe and convenient by removing the snow therefrom within the first six hours of daylight immediately following the accumulation of such snow thereon or, in the case of ice, by covering the same with sand or other suitable material within the first six hours of daylight following the accumulation of such ice, and then removing such treatment as often as may be necessary to keep such sidewalk safe and convenient. In case of the failure or neglect of the owner or person in possession and control of land abutting the public sidewalk to comply with this section, the Department of Public Works may, but is not obliged to, cause the same to be done, and the expense thereof shall be collectible from the person so failing or neglecting, in an action of debt brought in the name of the Town under this section. Any person who fails or neglects to comply with this section shall also be liable for a penalty or fine of $99, provided that no such expense, penalty or fine may be collected from any person whose violation of this provision is caused by snow deposited on his sidewalks by Town snow removal activities.
  • §11-4 Enforcement: The provisions of this article are designated for enforcement in accordance with Sections 7-148 and 7-152c of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended. The Town of Wilton may institute civil proceedings to enforce the provisions herein contained.

A Vision for the Town of Wilton

All of this talk of snow clearing brings us to a review of the FY 2027 budget negotiations, which are underway. As is expected, there is vigorous discussion on all sides about the best way to guide Wilton toward the future. Outlined below is this administration’s vision:

Wilton is a growing Connecticut community that values innovation, fiscal responsibility, and excellent public service. We are committed to protecting our rich colonial history, nationally recognized schools, and the architectural heritage that helps shape our identity. At the same time, we will strategically invest in the infrastructure and amenities that support residents of all ages and that sustain a vibrant business environment. The Town will plan responsibly for growth, deliver high-quality public services, and steward public resources with discipline, ensuring that Wilton’s historic character, open spaces, and fiscal stability are preserved and strengthened for generations to come.

Key Strategies

  • Public Safety and Community Security: Modernize public safety procedures, technology, and infrastructure to ensure first responders have the staffing, training, and resources to protect the community and respond effectively to emergencies.
  • High-Quality, Cost-Effective Municipal Services: Deliver the services residents and businesses expect through efficient, accountable operations that achieve the lowest responsible cost to taxpayers.
  • Responsible Financial Planning and Asset Stewardship: Build disciplined operating and capital budgets that protect taxpayer investments, ensure sustainable funding, and provide for the facilities, maintenance, and infrastructure Wilton needs, today and in the years ahead.
  • Growth Readiness and Service Capacity: Anticipate and prepare for population and development growth by ensuring sufficient staffing, services, and infrastructure to meet rising community needs.
  • Community Amenities, Preservation, and Quality of Life: Invest in resident-identified amenities while making historic preservation and open space protection top priorities — safeguarding Wilton’s long-term character and quality of life against development pressure.
  • Inclusion, Civility, and Belonging: Maintain a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and respectful community where all residents feel they belong.

Actions to Advance This Vision

Wilton is experiencing strong, sustained growth, with Grand List increases of approximately $75 million in 2024 and $104 million in 2025. Below is a table that shows the final 2025 Grand List totals and a quick comparison between the 2024 and 2025 Grand Lists:

As a reminder, the Grand List is the total value of all taxable property in Wilton, including residential, commercial, personal business property, and motor vehicles. When these values increase, the Town can more easily raise the revenue it needs to meet the 2027 Fiscal Year budget. The Grand List also helps establish the Mill Rate, which is the number that represents how much tax is levied on a property for every $1,000 of its assessed value. A strong increase in a municipality’s overall Grand List is often good news for property tax payers, because when all boats rise, an individual’s property taxes will only increase if their property’s value surpasses that of the Grand List.

A January 2026 Industry Real Estate Report claimed that because of limited housing supply in Wilton, buyer competition intensified, with homes selling at an average of 104.1% over the asking price, and over half of real estate deals closing over the ask. Houses sold with lightning speed, too, with the median stay on the market lasting just 19 days.

This growth confirms our desirability but brings significant financial and operational responsibilities. Facilities assessments have identified deferred maintenance and capital needs exceeding $100 million, with bonded projects potentially approaching $150 million or more over multiple years.

In addition, the many new apartment complexes and care centers in Wilton could add nearly 2,000 more residents in the near future. Newly occupied multi-family buildings are already putting a strain on town services.

These numbers highlight the dilemma facing Wilton in the FY 2027 budget. The bump in the Grand List value means that the Town can expect an uptick in revenue. The question before Wilton’s taxpayers will be: Should this money be used to lower the increase in taxes; or should these funds be placed in an account to spend on capital projects? The Board of Finance will soon be publishing their survey. We encourage every household in Wilton to spend time answering these queries and share with elected officials your priorities for a future Wilton.

And time is moving quickly. The Board of Selectmen must soon finalize their 2027 budget that will be voted on at the Annual Town Meeting in May. Limiting a tax increase is always desirable, but it also stands to reason that the expansion Wilton is undergoing must be matched by a Town budget that pays for the increased demand on staffing and services. If Town operations and capital remain static, the system risks becoming overwhelmed.

It is apparent that the past few cycles of Town budgets have not kept pace with the new Wilton. Certain Town departments are under tremendous strain, particularly our Department of Public Works and our emergency response teams, because of this. Answering higher call volumes, combatting greater wear and tear on roads and bridges, facing new threats from taller buildings with dense occupancy and protecting complex manufacturing operations require augmenting our current operations, which can only be accomplished with greater capital investment. In order to best serve the public, our support infrastructure needs the materials and staff that make it possible to do their jobs.

An example of this is clearly outlined by our Parks and Recreation Department when asked about their 2027 budget:

“Many of our non-discretionary accounts — including salaries, benefits, and retirement contributions — are rising at a rate that exceeds that percentage. As a result, the actual funds available for discretionary spending are effectively reduced. This directly impacts our ability to maintain service levels. Essential operational expenses such as fertilizer, paper products, and equipment must be absorbed within a shrinking discretionary budget. At the same time, demand for services at Comstock has grown significantly. Over the past two years, visits have increased by 20%, rising from 90,000 to 111,000. Field usage has expanded, and participation in programs continues to grow. Meeting these increasing community expectations becomes increasingly difficult when the flexible portion of our budget is diminished.”

At this critical juncture, Town leaders will look to the public will for guidance. Again, please fill out the Board of Finance survey and let your opinions be known.

Gilbert and Bennett School Discussion

Passionate, emotionally charged testimony by dozens of Wiltonians lasted late into the night on Feb. 11, at the Board of Selectmen public meeting about the future of the historic Gilbert and Bennett School building. A link to the recording is here: Gilbert and Bennett Public Hearing. Overall, people were in favor of a feasibility study being conducted, which the State Historic Preservation Office could support through a grant application process.

Town leaders agree that this opportunity should be pursued. In the meantime, the public was reminded that no decision about the future of Gilbert and Bennett has been made, and that any plan would ultimately be put to a public vote as a prerequisite to being approved. Any plan would also have to retain the building’s historic integrity and would be limited by its septic system. We invite the public to send us their views and any ideas on how to fund improvements to this property. You may always reach me at [my] email address. This link will take you to a library of historic documents: Gilbert and Bennett Collection of Documents.

Wilton Police Department Statement on Connecticut Trust Act and Community Safety

The Wilton Police Department is committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming community for all residents. In light of recent questions regarding the presence of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the region, we want to clarify the role of the Wilton Police Department and the state mandated legal framework that governs our actions.

Connecticut law is clear. Under the Connecticut Trust Act — originally enacted in 2013 and updated in 2019 and 2025 — state and local law enforcement agencies are strictly limited in when and how they may respond to requests from federal immigration authorities.

Under the current Connecticut Trust Act:

Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers are requests, not warrants. They do not, by themselves, create a legal obligation for local police to arrest or detain an individual.

Wilton officers may not arrest or detain a person based solely on an Immigration detainer unless:

  1. The individual has been convicted of a Class A or B felony, or
  2. It is accompanied by a warrant signed by a judicial officer,
  3. The individual is identified as a possible match in the federal Terrorist Screening Database.

Wilton Police Officers may not allow Immigration officers to interview someone in their custody unless the same legal conditions mentioned above are met. Officers may not act on administrative warrants, which are not signed by a judge.

Connecticut State and Local Police may not perform the duties of federal immigration authorities.

The Trust Act does not prevent federal immigration authorities from enforcing federal law in Connecticut. Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and Immigration Officers retains full authority to conduct its operations independently of local police.

The Wilton Police Department’s mission remains unchanged: to protect public safety, uphold the law, and maintain trust with the community we serve. We do not inquire about immigration status when people call for help, report crimes, or interact with our officers. Our focus is on safety, fairness, and enforcing criminal laws, motor vehicle laws, and town ordinances.

We encourage all residents to continue working with the Wilton Police Department without fear or hesitation. Public safety depends on trust, cooperation, and open communication — and we are committed to preserving all three.

First Selectman Toni Boucher and the Wilton Police Commission support and endorse the Police Department’s statement.

The Interns Return

Town Hall intern alums returned to visit while they were home on break from Cornell University. We are so proud of these immensely talented and accomplished young women. We were so lucky to have them as beloved members of our work family. They filled our offices with energy, spirit and enthusiasm. Go Rock the World Maddie and Lexi.

Cleared Roads and Warm Hearts

Wilton, we hope you take comfort in the fact that no matter the weather, or the shortage in salt, your Town is working hard behind the scenes to get you back on the road safely. As Town Boards work toward a final 2027 budget, critical decisions will need to be made about how we move forward together. Your input will guide the process, so we ask that you please join the discussion by giving us your feedback and suggestions and filling out the Board of Finance survey. As we leave the snowy month of February behind, we look forward to the start of spring … and March madness. Go Huskies!

Toni Boucher
First Selectman
Town of Wilton