Wilton voters approved an amended $7.209 million town operating budget Thursday night during the annual Town Meeting, passing the measure in a 61-23 standing vote at Florence Rideout Elementary School.
All warrant articles ultimately passed, though voters approved amendments to Articles 10, 13 and 31.
Several officials wore period clothing, including tricorn hats and overcoats, highlighting preparations for the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Town Moderator Bill Keefe opened the meeting by reading the script from Wilton’s 1776 Town Meeting.
Town officials also recognized Jackie Kahle as Wilton’s Citizen of the Year, honoring her volunteer service, including her role as secretary of the town’s Economic Development Team.
Operating budget amended
The evening’s most significant discussion came during Warrant Article 10, the town’s operating budget.
The original proposal of $7.166 million represented a 5.45% increase, or $370,327, over the previous year.
Budget Committee Chair DJ Garcia said the increase is largely driven by public safety, general government, highway and street costs, and water and sanitation services.
Public safety accounts for $2.09 million of the budget, while general government totals $1.849 million. Highway and street expenses are $1.619 million, and water and sanitation total $1.041 million.
Remaining spending includes culture and recreation, debt service, welfare and donations.
Select Board Chair Kermit Williams proposed a last-minute amendment adding $43,000 to the fire department equipment line.
“We have recently discovered a warrant article we passed last year, Warrant Article 8, which was to refurbish the fire department’s tanker was going to take two years,” he told voters. “That seems like a long time to wait for a tanker. I propose we add $43,000 to the ‘Fire Department Equipment’ line.”
Fire Chief Norm Skantze said the town previously approved replacing a 33-year-old tanker truck, but the original supplier reported delays obtaining the chassis.
The department found another company able to deliver a 3,000-gallon tanker by December.
Skantze said the larger tanker is necessary and costs $43,000 more than the originally planned 2,000-gallon model.
Resident Kevin Keszler asked why the department upgraded to a larger truck.
“Sometimes we’re pumping 1,000 gallons a minute, and with two trucks from mutual aid augmenting our tanker at a fire, we’d start with an initial 6,000 gallons,” Skantze said. “It just gives us more time to initially fight the fire.”
Williams said the change had to be made within the operating budget because of the lease structure approved at last year’s meeting.
“The lease has to stay structured as is, so we have to add the money directly to the budget,” he said.
Resident Mike Steele proposed reducing the budget to $6.965 million, citing rising costs.
“The cost of living is too high,” Steele said. “The tax rate keeps going up every year, so at some point we have to cry uncle before we get forced out of our homes.”
Town Administrator Nick Germain said the town could not predict the exact tax impact because revenue estimates are not finalized.
Garcia estimated the budget could mean about $292 annually for the average $450,000 home in Wilton.
Resident Bill Artemik asked whether the town was exploring alternative revenue sources.
“Has the town looked at developing other income sources that don’t come off the backs of the residents?” Artemik asked.
Williams said the town has few options beyond property taxes.
Voters rejected Steele’s proposed reduction and approved the amended $7.209 million budget.
Article 13 amended
Voters also approved Article 13 with an amendment reducing the request from $110,000 to $93,000.
The article sought funding for the Town Hall Repair Capital Reserve Fund, with $17,000 originally proposed to come from general taxation.
Williams said additional work is still needed at Town Hall.
“There’s additional roof work that needs to get done, and sprinklers need to be added to the movie theater area,” he said.
Resident Christine Keller proposed removing the $17,000 tax portion, lowering the total request.
Article 31 amended
Voters also amended and approved Article 31, which adjusts property tax exemptions for elderly residents.
Planning Board member John Miles Horsley proposed increasing the exemption amounts by $5,000 for each age bracket.
Under the amended article, the town will deduct $45,000 for residents ages 65–74, $60,000 for ages 75–79, and $80,000 for residents 80 and older.