This morning, we’re excited to launch our new video series, “Wilton 101,” meant to help new residents and long-timers alike. Each video will feature one topic about Wilton and explain, introduce or reveal what you need to know in a really quick, easy-to-digest way. Today’s video is all about how Wilton sets its budget every year — and what that means for you and your taxes, and how you can have a direct say in what happens.

In the coming weeks, you’ll learn about Wilton’s Master Plan; the traditions around how Wilton celebrates July 4th and Memorial Day; what goes on behind the scenes in the Village Market kitchens and what are the hometown favorite specialties; and more.

We’d love your input! If there’s something you’d like to learn more about or something you think we should feature, please let us know by emailing editor@goodmorningwilton.com.

Important Dates to Know:

Wednesday, Mar. 23, 7 p.m.: Board of Education Budget Public Hearing (Middlebrook Auditorium)

Thursday, Mar. 24, 7 p.m.: Board of Selectmen Budget Public Hearing (Middlebrook Auditorium)

Tuesday, May 3, 7 p.m.: Annual Town Meeting & Vote (Wilton High School Clune Auditorium)

Saturday, May 7, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Continued Voting (WHS Clune Auditorium)

Important Links:

Town of Wilton website
Board of Finance email
Board of Finance survey

Update: 4 p.m. — Thanks to the suggestion of a reader, we’ve produced a version of the video on the annual budget process with captions.

11 replies on “Introducing: “Wilton 101””

  1. I LOVE Wilton 101 concept!!! What a GREAT IDEA!!!

    I have only one suggestion… I, like many seniors, am hearing impaired. I would greatly appreciate your adding a “Captions for the Hearing Impaired” option for these videos. That way I can follow along… and even those patrons WITH good hearing will be able to catch every last word of your video.

    And, of course, IF… your could re-release this first fabulous video with Captions as well, I would be immensely greatful.

    Thank your for the absolute fabulous information and entertainment you already provide to us lucky Wilton residents.

    Kathy aka “Grandma Kate”

    1. Thank you Grandma Kate! It’s a great suggestion and I’m working on it. As soon as the captions are added to the video, I’ll upload that version and have them on from the start from here on in.

      I appreciate your feedback and kind words!

  5. Outstanding idea – very informative!

    I’d add the following for newcomers and deep-divers:

    1) The Town Meeting is open to the general public, who are welcome to attend. However, only electors (resident voters and property owners) can participate in the meeting (i.e., speaking, making motions and voting at the meeting).

    2) Electors can propose budget modification motions at the meeting, but only ones that “reduce (but not increase) the Board of Education’s total recommended budget; individual line items in the Board of Selectmen’s recommended budget; and the debt service recommended appropriation.” Town Charter, Section C-30(F)(1). Motions cannot propose to add new items or amounts that haven’t been already proposed and recommended by the town boards, nor can they reduce budgets or debt service below legal obligations. Amounts for a proposed budget modification can be set by a process called “filling in the blanks,” which will be explained at the meeting.

    3) Most importantly, a proper motion to amend the budget, if seconded, is then voted on at the meeting. If the motion passes, even if by 1 vote, regardless of how many people attend (no minimum quorum), then the modified budget is what gets voted on by the town-wide vote that follows the meeting. That town-wide vote is what’s subject to the “minimum 15% turnout or automatic pass” rule.

    4) There is no similar modification process for bonding proposals at the Town Meeting. Those are presented and then moved at the meeting directly to the ensuing town-wide vote.

    These procedures and more will be explained at the meeting. If ever unsure or lost, just ask the Moderator, who is there to assist you and ensure an orderly meeting.
    For Wilton, your participation in this process really matters!

    Scott Lawrence

  6. This video is amazing! Clear, concise and informative. Thank you Heather! You are constantly updating and looking for unique ways to serve the community. Thank you!!

    1. Editor’s note: This is an unsolicited comment from my sister. Love you and thanks! 😉

  7. What a great idea! Thank you.

    This site is truly a gift for our Wilton community. I wish GMW had been around when we moved here years ago.

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