The following is an update from First Selectman Toni Boucher.
Hello, Wilton! It may have been an unusually wet spring this year, but our Town has plenty of reasons for dancing in the rain. For one, as you likely have heard, the budget for fiscal year 2026 passed with a much higher voter turnout than in previous years, and a resounding 77.8% approval. All 10 of the special items on the bond list also passed with overwhelming support.
During the previous six months, many hard conversations were had among the members of the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Board of Education leading up to the Annual Town Meeting and voting on May 6 and May 10. I hope that the people of Wilton will take from this process how deeply every elected official cares about the Town’s well-being and our collective pocketbook. All three boards, and every Town department, dug into their spreadsheets, examined their budget numbers in detail, came to all of the late-night meetings prepared and energized, and together were able to reach a consensus on the most practicable financial roadmap to present to the voters. Fiscal Year ’26 will soon be upon us and we are ready, thanks to all of their hard work and the voters of Wilton! As ever, we remain grateful for everyone’s engagement and support.
Moody’s Rating
And there is more great news for Wilton: As we recently reported, Moody’s Credit Agency awarded Wilton [its] top Aaa rating. This designation signifies to lenders that Wilton is a reliable borrower, whose finances are in excellent health. When Wilton seeks funding from the bond market to pay for capital projects in town, we will receive the lowest interest rates available on those loans because of our Aaa rating. Such a strong advantage allows Town leaders to keep building costs down, and is the reason why a Aaa rating is so very important.
The report from Moody’s explaining their rationale was full of accolades for Wilton’s overall quality of life. It highlighted the strong housing market supported by high residential demand; the advanced levels of education and professional achievement of our residents, plus the overall health and safety of our community; our low climate risk from extreme weather; our strong municipal workforce that is managed by certified and experienced professionals; and the conservative budgeting and steady property tax receipts that have driven stable operating results and solid reserves of liquidity. Moody’s pointed to ASML’s presence in Wilton as an indicator of our town’s desirability and economic stability. They were particularly impressed that ASML was planning to grow [its] operations here in Wilton, even as the Dutch microchip manufacturer recently completed a significant international expansion.
I hope everyone will join me in celebrating this tremendous news.
Eversource Announcement
Eversource [offers] discount rates that are available to customers in Connecticut based on household income. [Visit the Eversource website for more] information.
Community Cultural Celebration
Wilton was treated to a trip around the world at the first Community Cultural Celebration, held at the Riverbrook YMCA and hosted by the Wilton Coalition for Youth. There was singing, dancing, food, craft making and cultural activities — like trying on traditional festive wear, as modeled in these “on the scene” photos. The event drew big crowds in the hundreds eager to experience Wilton’s diverse and welcoming culture. It was a living testament to the Wilton Youth Council’s Motto: Wilton Is Where You Belong. With luck, this will become an annual event that will draw even more cultures and visitors to Wilton.
ASL Club Visit Wilton’s Firehouse
Wilton High School ASL (American Sign Language) Club members spent some time with the Wilton Fire Department, teaching them sign language. As the old saying goes, “Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.” Thank you to these students for sharing what they know. And thank you to the Emergency personnel who are always learning something new in their service to Wilton.
Wilton Police Department Welcomes New Officer
Earlier this month, the Wilton Police Department was the center of a homecoming of sorts when its newest officer, Kyle Klein, was sworn in. Officer Klein is originally from Bethel, and pursued his Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement at Naugatuck Community College before moving south to join the Police Department of Athens-Clark County, Georgia. After two years with the Police Force there, Wilton is glad to welcome Officer Klein back to these Northeastern shores. Thank you, Officer Klein. Wilton is lucky to have you.
Jewish American Heritage Month
In 2006, President George W. Bush designated May as a time to commemorate the contributions and achievements of Jewish Americans. Since they first arrived from Brazil in 1654, this community has done so much to enrich the complex tapestry of our nation. American Jews have served in government and the military, won Nobel prizes, headed universities and corporations, advanced medical and healthcare, created and performed enduring works of art, written great American novels, become emblems of justice on the Supreme Court, and exemplars of American philanthropy. It is an honor to recognize their indelible impact on American life.
Mental Health Action Month
May is also Mental Health Action Month, where activities and programs are happening every week in town meant to educate and raise awareness on how to support those who are struggling, including oneself. The Wilton Library hosted a Mental Health Action Day event dedicated to Wellness, Support and Action to promote mental health strength. The green and white pinwheels on the lawn in front of the library represent all of calls from Wilton to the mental health emergency hotline, 988, and the 211 addiction help hotline. The other pinwheels represent the 3-in-5 people in town who suffer in silence with their mental health. Please do not suffer alone. Our social services personnel are trained to help and will do so with the utmost discretion. And they have nearly inexhaustible resources to offer. The first step is a phone call: 203.834.6238.
Tis the Wedding Season!
May and June usher in a sweet uptick of weddings at Town Hall. And each year there seem to be more of them. This beautiful couple wanted to be married in Wilton because the groom works in town and loves it here. We wish them a lifetime of happiness!
Memorial Day
Next Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day, when we take time to honor our military personnel who have lost their lives in service to our country. This is a day full of traditions, beginning with the well-loved Wilton Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast, held at the Congregational Church (70 Ridgefield Rd.) from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. [Visit the Kiwanis signup sheet] if you would like to volunteer your help. The breakfast goes on, rain or shine.
At 10 a.m., the Memorial Day Parade marches through town center and up to Hillside Cemetery, where a Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. This year’s keynote speaker will be Marine Corps veteran Robert Wilby and the honorary parade Grand Marshall will be Alex Ruskewicz, an Army veteran who is being honored posthumously.
Some roads will be closed at 9:30 a.m. for the parade, including: Ridgefield Rd. between Danbury Rd. and Drum Hill Rd., and Horseshoe Rd. from Wolfpit Rd. to town center. Belden Hill Rd. will be closed between Drum Hill Rd. and Ridgefield Rd. All roads should reopen at 12:30 p.m.
Merwin Meadows will be open to all afterwards and free hot dogs will be served.
Weather related cancellations will be announced by 7 a.m. on the morning of the parade.
A Sweet Goodbye
We’d like to take a moment to say thank you and farewell to two of our inaugural interns who gave their valuable time to Town Hall during their junior year of high school and the following summer in 2024. Now, Alexis and Madeline Shukovsky are off to a fresh start at Cornell University in the fall. We send them our sincerest congratulations on all of the awards they received last week and our best wishes for a bright future.
Looking Ahead
Wilton, we have worked hard and can celebrate the consensus around the Town Budget Vote, the pride of our Aaa rating, the honor of being named one of Connecticut’s best places to live and work by Niche, the fun of our community events and the strength of our neighbors. While our Town is growing, Wilton remains a steadfast village that cares.
First Selectman Toni Boucher
Town of Wilton