Enfield’s 2026 Budget: Tough Choices Ahead for Council

Enfield Public Schools staffing levels fluctuated significantly over the past decade, peaking at 1,030 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions in 2023-24 before dropping to 823 FTE in the current school year, according to data presented at the April 28 2025 public hearing on the town budget. The increases in the 2021 through 2024 were related to COVID funding; the decrease followed a major cut last year to the board's budget. The school department is seeking a staff increase to 857 next year. Many of these staff increases are designed to lower class sizes.

Next year’s budget will shape the future of Enfield’s schools and town services — and the decisions won’t be easy. The Town Manager’s proposed 2.37 mill rate increase — equal to a 7.76% property tax hike — will be difficult to avoid without painful tradeoffs.

The town faces nearly $8 million in new spending. Since cutting one mill from the budget equals roughly $3.3 million in reductions or new revenues, there are no easy answers.



With limited options, the Town Council will likely focus on three key areas:

1. Using More of the Fund Balance

The proposed budget draws $3.8 million from the town’s $28 million fund balance — a reserve typically used for emergencies and one-time needs. (See slide below) The Council could increase that amount to as much as $5 million or more. However, doing so would reduce future flexibility.

2. Cutting Capital Improvement Projects

The budget includes $2.7 million for capital improvements — vehicles, facilities, and roads. While some deferrals may be possible, postponing maintenance often leads to higher long-term costs or even critical infrastructure failures. These are not painless delays.

3. Trimming the Board of Education Budget

The school board is requesting a $4.31 million increase. Much of the increase aims to restore damage from last year’s cuts, when staffing dropped from 890 to 823 full-time equivalents and elementary class sizes grew to 25–30 students. Further cuts could mean even larger classes, fewer programs, and long-term academic consequences.

School officials made a detailed and compelling case for their budget. For instance, Enfield High School's 9th-grade algebra classes are overcrowded. “We're far too large, 25 or above in a class,” said Superintendent Steve Moccio during this week’s FY 2026 budget presentation. (See slide below).

Fixed and State Mandated Costs

Residents see it every day — prices keep rising. Inflation was 2.9% in 2024 and 2.4% as of March 2025. At the same time, contractual obligations, health insurance premiums, and special education mandates continue to climb. Global economic pressures, including tariffs, are likely to increase costs for supplies and equipment.

No Question, It's Expensive

Let’s face it: it’s expensive to live in Connecticut. Towns that offer comprehensive services and have strong public schools have long been part of our identity. At the same time, resident frustration with tax bills is legitimate. The last property revaluation shifted more of the tax burden onto homeowners, as residential property values rose faster than those of commercial properties. But Enfield's tax burden is moderate, according to this analysis.

This is a Revenue Problem

The recent revaluation has already shifted more of the tax burden onto homeowners. And another revaluation is coming next year. Meanwhile, potential sources of new revenue, such as the redevelopment of Enfield Square or the proposed train station, are still years away from producing meaningful tax income.

Protecting Enfield’s Reputation

Enfield has long been an affordable, middle-class community with strong schools and reliable public services. With a median household income near $90,000 and 77% of homes owner-occupied, we’re a town built on stability and quality of life.

Many residents now pay $4,000 to $7,000 in annual property taxes, excluding motor vehicles. That’s a significant portion of any household budget. But the structure of local finances makes it extremely difficult to avoid tax increases without substantial growth in the grand list.

Enfield's reputation depends on more than just low taxes. If we sacrifice education, defer essential repairs, or cut services to avoid a modest increase, we risk becoming a cheaper place to live — but not a better one.

Slide from Town Manager's budget proposal