First Selectman Toni Boucher was grateful with the way Wilton voters approved the proposed FY 2026 budget and bonding propositions in the Annual Town Meeting vote, calling the vote a “commanding” endorsement of the numbers put forth by town officials this year.

On the FY 2026 budget vote, 1,476 voters (77.8%) approved the proposed budget; 396 (20.9%) voted “No, too high” and 26 (1.3%) voted “No, too low.”

The $145,835,795 town budget and mill rate of 24.4054 mils as presented by the Boards of Finance, Selectmen and Education represents a 3.92% increase in the budget and a 1.93% mill rate increase over FY 2025.

“It is greatly rewarding to receive such a commanding vote in favor of our town and school budgets as well as for each one of our needed bond items,” Boucher told GOOD Morning Wilton. “Although it has been another challenging year Wilton voters embraced our vision and addressed our goals in overwhelming numbers. The town’s leadership, boards and staff are deeply grateful to all the voters for their strong show of support. Thank you Wilton!”

For the fourth time in 10 years, Wilton hit the 15% voter turnout threshold — by charter requirement, the limit for the actual votes cast to count rather than passing just by default if the threshold isn’t met. Voters who went to the polls can be assured their votes were not in vain and actually counted this year.

According to town officials, exactly 2,000 votes were cast — primarily in person immediately following the Annual Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 6, and at the adjourned vote on Saturday, May 10, as well as by absentee ballot. Registrars of Voters Karen Birck and Annalisa Stravato told GMW on Saturday at the polls that there were 13,157 eligible voters, which put voter turnout at 15.2%. [Editor’s note: a press release sent out by the town put turnout at 15.02% but didn’t specify the number of eligible voters. GMW has reached out to Communication and Community Relations Coordinator Hadley Boyd for clarification.]

In 2023, the big ballot issue that brought out over 20% of the voters was the question of a new artificial turf field at Allen’s Meadow; in 2017, 16.4% turned out over the questions of extending alcohol service hours at restaurants and funding a study for the Police Station renovation; and in 2016, it was also a bonding proposal to replace the turf field at Memorial Stadium that moved 18.1% of eligible voters to turn out.

On behalf of the Board of Finance, Chair Matt Raimondi said he was also pleased at strong support by Wilton voters for this year’s budget in what he said was a “decisive result”. He congratulated the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education and thanked the members of those boards for their “partnership and collaboration” throughout the budget-setting process.

“This outcome reflects our collective commitment to responsible fiscal management and the long-term health of our town. The Board of Finance thanks all the residents who participated in the process, whether by voting, attending meetings or sharing their feedback,” Raimondi said.

Board of Education Chair Ruth DeLuca was similarly appreciative of Wilton voters’ support. “The Board of Education is grateful for all who came out in support of our schools. We are thankful for Wilton’s continued trust and partnership.”

The sentiment was echoed by Wilton Schools Superintendent Kevin Smith: “I am deeply grateful to the residents of Wilton for their tremendous support.”

Bonding Questions

There were 10 capital bonding referendums on the ballot. Of these, all 10 were approved by straightforward majority votes (no minimum voter turnout required).

The question that drew the most significant attention was the bonding proposal for renovating the Historic Raymond Ambler House at Ambler Farm. In the weeks leading up to the Annual Town Meeting, officials held several meetings and received public comment and emails from residents. It was also the one bonding items that the Board of Finance offered no formal opinion on prior to the meeting.

Voters did pass the bonding referendum for the Ambler Farm renovation by 74%. While the approval was an overwhelming one, it was the lowest percentage among all 10 bonding questions.

Ambler Farm Executive Director Ashley Kineon was very pleased with the voting results.

“On behalf of the Friends of Ambler Farm, we would like to thank the community for coming out and supporting the bonding for the Raymond Ambler House. We look forward to the day where we can open the doors and welcome you home to Ambler Farm, where good things grow,” Kineon said.

Official referendum results were:

  • $2,000,000 for the Wilton High School library roof replacement
    • Yes — 1,772 (89.3%)
    • No — 213 (10.7%)
  • $1,646,314 for Middlebrook School improvements including floor tiles, ceiling tiles and lighting replacements
    • Yes — 1,777 (90%)
    • No — 202 (10%)
  • $1,547,678 for Cider Mill School water chiller replacement
    • Yes — 1,644 (83.5%)
    • No — 324 (16.5%)
  • $1,286,618 for Historic Raymond Ambler House at Ambler Farm renovations
    • Yes — 1,463 (74%)
    • No — 513 (26%)
  • $725,000 for repaving of school district drainage, sidewalks and parking areas
    • Yes — 1,696 (86%)
    • No — 277 (14%)
  • $700,000 for road restoration and paving
    • Yes — 1,674 (85%)
    • No — 294 (15%)
  • $700,000 for Memorial Stadium Turf Field Replacement (Wilton High School)
    • Yes — 1,523 (76.8%)
    • No — 459 (23.2%)
  • $373,000 Middlebrook School Exhaust Fan replacement
    • Yes — 1,771 (89.6%)
    • No — 205 (10.4%)
  • $330,000 for purchase of a large dump truck, two sanders and two plow apparatus
    • Yes — 1,553 (78.9%)
    • No — 415 (21.1%)
  • $250,000 for Middlebrook School gymnasium HVAC system replacement
    • Yes — 1,775 (89.6%)
    • No — 206 (10.4%)