The Thomaston Board of Finance has released its proposed budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, calling for a 3.02% increase over the previous year. This proposed uptick is primarily driven by contractual obligations and fixed costs across municipal departments and the Board of Education.

Key components of the proposal include increased funding for education, general town operations, and contributions toward capital improvement projects. Under the plan, the education budget would rise by $502,584, representing a 2.84% increase.

Budget development in Thomaston follows a multi-step process. Town departments submit proposals to the Board of Selectmen, while the Board of Education presents its budget to the Board of Finance. After reviewing all submissions, the Board of Finance compiles a unified proposal, which is then presented to the public at a hearing. Following public input, the board decides whether to move the budget forward for approval—either at a town meeting or through a referendum—based on the level of support or concern expressed.

At a recent meeting, the Board of Finance also discussed compensation for town officials, approving a salary increase for the First Selectman to $100,000 and for the Tax Collector to $80,000. No adjustments were made at that time to the salaries of other elected officials, such as the Town Clerk. Board members justified the increases by citing the need to offer competitive pay in line with similar towns. A recent Stamford Advocate article showed that the mayor of Middletown (population over 40,000) earns approximately $96,000, while the mayor of Plymouth earns about $71,000. The timing of the salary adjustments has sparked discussion on the Thomaston People Speaks Facebook page, where some residents voiced concern given the current economic climate.

The Board of Finance will hold its next public hearing on Tuesday, April 8, where community members will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed budget before it moves forward in the process.