The process of considering the FY24 budget for the Town of West Hartford is now underway, and here’s what you need to know.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford’s budget process for the upcoming 2023-2024 fiscal year is underway, following Interim Superintendent of Schools Andy Morrow and Town Manger Rick Ledwith both submitting proposed budgets this past week.

On Tuesday, Morrow submitted a $189.9 million budget to the Board of Education, with a proposed increase in spending of 4.8% driven by increases in medical insurance premiums, transportation, tuition costs for outplacements, special education, and contractual salary increases.

Details about the proposed Board of Education budget can be found here.

Education expenses are part of the town’s overall general fund budget, and Ledwith has proposed an overall $330.5 million plan that increases spending by 4.23% and property taxes by 1.87%. Key drivers include inflationary and supply chain-related expenses increases, medical costs, and contractual salary increases.

Details about the proposed Town of West Hartford budget can be found here.

Town Council committees will be reviewing the budget in detail over the upcoming weeks during virtual meetings that are open to the public and will also hold several budget workshops, including a workshop held jointly with the Board of Education.

The public will have the opportunity to comment on the overall town budget at public hearings scheduled for Monday, March 27, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, and Monday, April 3, at 2 p.m. at Town Hall.

Upcoming public meetings related to the Board of Education budget include:

• Budget Workshop No. 1, Wednesday, March 15,  7 p.m.
• Board Public Hearing, Wednesday, March 29, 7 p.m.
• Budget Workshop No. 2, Wednesday, March 29, following Public Hearing
• Board Budget Adoption, Tuesday, April 4, 7 p.m.
• Town Council Budget Adoption, Tuesday, April 25, 7 p.m.

The detailed budget is available on the West Hartford Public Schools website. Suggestions can be sent to [email protected].

The Town Council is scheduled to adopt the budget on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. That meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

All budget documents, including the Budget in Brief, are posted on the town’s website for review.

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