By Sentinel Staff
Discussion focuses on fiscal details, process questions, and future capital planning
The Town Council reviewed portions of New Canaan’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget Tuesday, covering general government spending, parking policy and a capital request from the New Canaan Library.
The meeting followed a standard agenda that included budget presentations and discussion of specific line items.
Finance Director Ryan Stacy presented the general government budget, outlining changes across departments. He cited modest increases in areas such as salaries, software subscriptions and accounting adjustments.
“We’re seeing anywhere from five to 15% increases year over year for software,” Stacy said.
He also described efforts to align budget categories with the state’s Uniform Chart of Accounts, including reclassifying expenses into more specific categories.
“I like it to be kind of regimented,” Stacy said.
Council members asked questions about staffing levels, software costs and the process for reclassifying expenses. Stacy said changes are based on state guidelines and reviewed with staff.
The discussion later turned to parking policy, including existing meters on Elm Street and a potential future expansion to Main Street.
Council members raised questions about whether the Elm Street meters were consistent with existing ordinances and whether the Town Council had sufficient opportunity for review before implementation.
There was discussion of how some parking ordinances date back to the 1960’s and that there is clear need to review given how town use of the downtown has changed since then.
First Selectman Dionna Carlson said the current parking ordinance are outdated and do not reflect current practices.
Council members discussed the need to review and update parking-related ordinances. Some members also suggested evaluating the impact of the Elm Street meters before considering additional locations.
“I think it would be good to quantify the success,” said Council member Maria Naughton.
The council then heard a presentation from New Canaan Library Executive Director Ellen Crovatto on the library’s operating and capital budget.
The proposed operating budget includes a 3.5% increase, primarily for cost-of-living adjustments.
Crovatto said the library has increased usage and demand for services, including meeting space and programming.
She also presented a request for $1 million in capital funding to renovate the library’s “legacy building,” a preserved 1913 structure that is currently not in use.
Crovatto said the building is structurally stabilized but unfinished.
“It’s dry, but it’s empty,” she said.
The proposed project would convert the space into a flexible meeting and programming area. Crovatto said the library currently hosts a high volume of meetings and has limited space, particularly for events outside normal operating hours.
“One of the things we can’t offer them is the opportunity to really stay late,” she said.
The total project cost is estimated at $1.5 million to $2 million. Crovatto said the library plans to seek state grant funding and that local funding would support those efforts.
Council members asked about project costs, timing and funding sources. Some suggested phasing the town’s contribution or waiting for additional information on grant funding and final estimates.
Library officials said the project timeline depends on funding and approvals and that delays could postpone use of the building.
“It will be unused,” Crovatto said.
Council members also discussed the purpose of the legacy building and its alignment with the library’s operations. Crovatto said the space would support programming, meetings and community use.
The council did not take formal action on the budget items during the meeting. Further review is expected as part of the budget process.
