Budget Process

Use the links below to explore and learn more about Ellington's annual budget process.

UPDATE 6/11/2025
The 6/10/2025 Budget Referendum PASSED, 1,187 YES to 689 NO

Budget Referendum #2 was held Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
All voting took place at the Senior Center, 40 Maple Street, between 6 AM and 8 PM.
Absentee ballots were available at the Town Clerk's office at Town Hall from June 2 - June 9 during normal business hours (NOTE: Town Hall is CLOSED on Fridays).  They must be picked up in-person.

Who Voted on 5/27/25?  An analysis by the Registrars of Voters.

UPDATE 5/30/2025
On Thursday evening, 5/29/25, the Board of Finance met to deliberate on adjustments to the proposed budget in preparation for the next referendum scheduled for June 10.  The Board received input from the Town Administrator, Finance Officer, Superintendent of Schools and Board of Education members as well as comments from the public.  After two hours of discussion, the Board authorized adjustments totaling $544,869.  As a result, the mill rate increase was reduced from 1.5 mills to 1.1 mills.  

UPDATE 5/28/25
On 5/27 the Board of Finance directed the Town to come up with $300,000 in adjustments to their proposed budget, and has directed the Board of Education to come up with $500,000 in adjustments.  The Board will discuss the proposed adjustments at their Special Meeting on 5/29/25.  The goal is to reduce the proposed budget by .5 mill which is approximately $800,000.  The Board of Education is scheduled to meet later this evening (7PM 5/28) to discuss proposed adjustments to the BOE budget.

UPDATE 5/27/25 10:00 pm
The 5/27/2025 Budget Referendum FAILED.  The unofficial tally 464 Yes; 598 No.  Next Vote scheduled for 6/10/2025.
The Board of Finance has scheduled 3 Special Meetings to contemplate further cuts to the proposal.  Meeting dates are 5/29; 6/2; and 6/3.  All meetings are scheduled for 6 PM at Town Hall.

Budget Referendum to be held Tuesday, May 27, 2025 (All day voting)
All voting will take place at the Senior Center, 40 Maple Street, between 6 AM and 8 PM. 

For QUESTIONS, contact the Town Clerk at (860) 870-3105 or by email townclerk@ellington-ct.gov

ABSENTEE VOTING (CGS 9-369)
Registered voters may make application for Absentee Ballots, in person ONLY, in the Town Clerk's Office at Town Hall.  Ballots will be available May 14 through May 22*. (*NOTE-Town Hall is CLOSED on Friday,  May 23 and Monday, May 26)  Absentee voting must be IN-PERSON (No Mail-in applications or ballots; NO use of Drop-Box)

ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE IN REFERENDUM

• Any person who is an elector of the Town (Eligible and registered to vote)
• Any US Citizen, jointly or severally, liable to the Town for taxes on an assessment of not less than $1,000 on the last completed grand list of the Town.

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Budget Deliberations - April 10, 2025 
The Board of Finance made adjustments to the proposed budget after receiving comments from the public during past meetings.  The Board reduced proposed expenditures and increased revenue estimates to arrive at a budget that will result in a mill rate increase of 1.5.  The Board voted unanimously to forward the revised budget proposal to the electors of Ellington at a referendum scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The adjustments to the proposed budget can be found here.

The following program is currently available on the Community Voice Channel.  The program features First Selectman Lori Spielman, Town Administrator Matt Reed, Superintendent Scott Nicol, and Finance Officer Tiffany Pignataro.  The video is an overview of the municipal budget process in Ellington and was recorded on 3/17/2025.  See the video HERE.