Key Points:
- FY2027 budget officially certified with 72.8% approval, despite 13.59% turnout
- All nine bonding projects pass, led by strong support for school and infrastructure work
- Additional measures including CNREF and Ambler Farm lease also approved
Why it Matters: The certified results finalize Wilton’s spending plan and clear the way for major capital projects impacting schools, infrastructure and town finances.
Wilton’s FY2027 budget referendum results are now official, with voters approving the town budget and all nine bonding questions following certification by the registrars of voters.
A total of 1,671 ballots were cast out of 12,300 eligible voters, representing a turnout of 13.59% — below the 15% threshold required under the Town Charter for a binding referendum on the FY 2027 budget proposed by Town officials. As a result, the budget was automatically adopted based on the Charter rule.
The actual vote count was overwhelmingly in favor of the proposed $151,701,690 town budget and mill rate of 25.0623 mils, year-over-year increases of 4.0% for the budget and 2.7% for the mill rate. It passed by a wide margin: 72.8%
- YES, I approve — 1,122
- NO, too HIGH — 413
- NO, too LOW — 6
First Selectman Toni Boucher pointed out a “steady trend” of voters approving Wilton’s budgets.
“The support is overwhelming, which continues a multi-year pattern of solid voter support for responsible budgeting and maintaining town and school services,” she said, adding that she saw it as support for the work being done by Town Hall.
“The voters showed by their steadfast support that they understand that the town remains financially strong,” Boucher said.
Superintendent Kevin Smith was also pleased with the message sent by voters who cast ballots.
“I am truly grateful for the community’s strong support of our budget and building projects. The vote confirms Wilton residents’ shared commitment to children and belief in the importance of maintaining and improving our exceptional school system,” he said.
Board of Finance Chair Tim Birch saw both sides of the coin when it came to voter turnout and the results.
“I was disappointed that more people did not vote and a little surprised given the issues that have been raised this year,” he said, although adding, “I was pleased that of the people who did vote, they supported the budgets we worked so hard to bring together.”
Even with the low turnout, each of the nine bonding items received strong support. Voters also approved two other questions regarding the establishment of a capital nonrecurring expenditures fund and a lease between the Town and Friends of Ambler Farm for Ambler Farm.
The $2.9 million Cider Mill School partial roof replacement drew the highest approval at 87.44%, followed by the Kent Road Bridge rehabilitation project (84.89%) and the $2 million road restoration plan (84.56%).
Additional Cider Mill projects — including exterior envelope renovations (80.69%) and sitework, doors and windows (81.12%) — also earned solid backing from voters.
The Ambler Farm Yellow House renovation received 67.72% support, while the proposed outdoor pickleball courts saw the lowest level of approval, passing with 61.24%.
Other approved projects include drainage and repaving work at the Guy Whitten Field parking lot (80.29%) and replacement of artificial turf at Lilly Field (72.24%).
As for the final two questions, voters approved establishing a capital non-recurring expenditures fund (CNREF) at 76.5%, and endorsed the Ambler Farm lease at 83.9%.
Boucher saw the results as ratification of the Town’s approach to Ambler Farm.
“They demonstrated that they value one of the town’s greatest assets by this year’s vote. Thank you, Wilton voters, for your support in moving the town we all love forward,” she said.
With the results now certified, town officials can move forward with planning and implementation of the approved capital projects.