March 2022-First Selectwoman’s Update
Budgets and Taxes
The proposed FY2023 budgets have been submitted and the required public hearings held. On Monday April 4th, the Board of Finance will begin deliberations on the proposed budgets.
How would the proposed FY2023 budgeted tax dollars be spent? This chart represents a median residential $14,000 property tax bill:
| Expense Category | Allocation of RE Property Tax Bill | Allocation % |
| Board of Selectmen Expenses | $3,548 | 25.34% |
| Board of Education Expenses | $9,153 | 65.38% |
| Debt Principal and Interest | $943 | 6.74% |
| Reserve Amount (aka Charter Authority) | $136 | 0.97% |
| Tax Relief Programs | $129 | 0.92% |
| Bad Debt-FY23 taxes due, not paid |
$91 |
0.65% |
Real Estate Tax Bill | $14,000 | 100% |
The $3,548 of the Board of Selectmen requested funding is broken down as follows:
| Cost Center | Allocation | % |
| Public Safety | $1,437 |
40.6% |
| Public Works | $418 |
11.8% |
| Regulatory Departments | $336 |
9.5% |
| Wilton Library Grant | $302 |
8.5% |
| Parks & Grounds and Parks & Rec Programming | $194 |
5.5% |
| Administrative Departments, Finance, HR, TA, FS, etc | $181 |
5.1% |
| Technology across all departments | $105 |
3.0% |
| Heating & Vehicle Fuel, Electricity & Hydrant Fees | $89 |
2.5% |
| WPS Nurses | $82 |
2.3% |
| Property, Liability, Workers Comp & Other Insurances | $69 |
2.0% |
| Social Services and Senior Center | $66 |
1.9% |
| Expenses Reimbursed by a Grant-Accounted for Elsewhere | $55 |
1.6% |
| Building Repairs & Construction Management | $52 |
1.5% |
| Georgetown Fire District Tax Bills | $47 |
1.3% |
| Wilton/Weston Dedicated Paramedics | $33 |
0.9% |
| Transfer Station Subsidy | $26 |
0.7% |
| Elections | $25 |
0.7% |
| Town Counsel and Litigation | $20 |
0.6% |
| Nowalk/Wilton Probate Court | $2 |
0.1% |
| Town Grants to Non Profits | $13 |
0.4% |
| Other, net |
$(15) |
-0.4% |
| Total | $3,538 |
100% |
Wilton Center Master Planning
Tonight, the Planning and Zoning Commission hosted a meeting to allow residents to provide the consultants and the Commission members with comments. A couple of frequently asked questions were submitted, which are worth repeating here:
Can Wilton have an at-grade railroad crossing connecting RT 7 to Schenck’s Island? No. Metro North no longer allows at-grade railroad crossings. There isn’t sufficient length to allow for an elevated crossing for vehicles. An elevated pedestrian crossing must be ADA compliant. At this location, elevators would be required on each side of the track, as there isn’t sufficient distance to allow for an ADA compliant pedestrian ramp.
Can new Wilton Center signs be installed on RT 7? Yes. Prior to the pandemic, we applied to the State and received approval for signage. We dropped the ball because of the pandemic, but will return to it. Note of caution, CT DOT only allows small signs of a certain decorative style. The signs won’t be large and they won’t be digital as suggested. We have also made inquiries about if and what decorative items can be installed on the RT 33 bridge. There are a number of associated issues.
Update-ARPA and Infrastructure Fund Spending Priorities
On March 7th, Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Anna Marie Bilella and Director Steve Pierce presented requests for funding for repairs and drainage upgrades for existing grass fields, partial funding for a third turf field and funding for a new ages 5+ playground at Merwin Meadows.
On April 6th, Facilities Director Chris Burney will present recommendations for spending for town-owned buildings, such as the replacement of the pillars and the front steps at Town Hall. At the same meeting, DPW Director/Town Engineer Frank Smeriglio will present recommendations for improvements to the drainage system in area of the Wilton High School Stadium and other drainage projects. Planning & Zoning Chair Rick Tomasetti will present requests to fund additional planning efforts.
Update-Wilton Train Station/NRVT/Wilton Center Pedestrian Bridge
Last week the Town issued a Request for Proposals for the project. Bids are due on April 22nd. We hope to award the project on May 22nd with construction to start on July 1st. The project includes the pedestrian bridge and the extension of the NRVT into Wilton Center.
Update-State Proposals for Mandated Zoning Changes
Last month, I wrote about the proposed transit-oriented district (TOD) bill, which would have allowed an overall density of 15 housing units per acre by right within a half mile of a train station and require 10% of the units to be affordable. After a hearing from many Connecticut residents, including residents of Wilton, the bill didn’t move forward. There are other bills we continue to follow. Thank you to the residents who took the time to comment.
Still Haven’t Paid Your January 1 Property Taxes?
Please don't ignore your recent delinquency notice. Delinquent taxes not paid by March 31st, accrue another 1.5% monthly interest as of April 1st. Pay online before midnight tonight to avoid further interest. CT statutes don't allow the Town to waive interest charges unles the Assessor has made an error, as to the taxes.
Senior and Individuals with Disabilities Homeowner Tax Relief Applications are Being Accepted
Applications for the town’s program are due on May 15th, but can be filed any time before the deadline. Information is available here.
Mark Your Calendar
Wednesday April 13th 7:00pm: Wilton League of Women Voters/Wilton Library Info Session and Q&A with the chairs of Wilton’s four major boards, Selectmen, Education, Finance and Planning & Zoning.
Saturday morning, April 23th 9:00am to 12:00pm: Annual Townwide Clean Up Day. Rain or shine. Meet at the gazebo in Wilton Center.
As always, please contact me with questions at lynne.vanderslice@wiltonct.org.
Lynne A Vanderslice
First Selectwoman