Meyers, Lynch, and Pelsue on Fairfield Issues
Meyers, Lynch, and Pelsue on Fairfield Issues
Fiscal Mismanagement
An independent audit revealed that over the last 18 months, hundreds of thousands of dollars were intentionally diverted from the internal service fund for unapproved expenditures. These actions bypassed the Board of Finance (BOF) and the RTM approval process.
We will restore accountability by insisting on strict oversight and full transparency.
Violations of Policy & Procedures
The same audit found repeated violations of long-standing financial policies designed to protect taxpayer dollars and maintain our AAA bond rating. These lapses jeopardize the town’s credit rating and could lead to a negative outlook.
We will enforce every safeguard and review the current policies comprehensively.
Property Taxes
With real estate values increasing dramatically over the past 5 years, taxes could soar when the new assessments are revealed. We will fight to lower the mill rate to offset the increase in valuations. Often, communities use a revaluation to boost revenues on the backs of the taxpayer.
We will do all we can to avoid this.
Car Taxes
In July, you saw a large increase in your car taxes. The current administration also changed your car tax payment from two annual payments to a single lump sum payment, causing hardship to some.
We will work to lower the mill rate to offset this tax increase. We will also encourage the administration to revert to two annual payments versus one.
Zero-Based Budgeting
Currently, our budget is made up of many large general line items. There is no explanation as to what exactly is built into these numbers. What is known is that there is no doubt that there is waste in the budget.
We support a zero-based budgeting process that shows all the individual expenses that make up each line item, so we can have real transparency.
Bonding Capital Expenditures
The BOF approved a $1.5 million renovation to the Police Department, including specific and expensive architectural plans. Without BOF knowledge or consent, the administration altered those plans at a substantial cost to taxpayers and was planning on beginning work on an unapproved project.
We will demand that all capital expenditures follow the approvals granted without exception.
Employee Benefits
Our employees are Fairfield’s greatest asset. Yet the administration unilaterally changed health-insurance terms for employees and retirees, increasing copays, and limiting coverage without notifying those affected. This action has resulted in union grievances that will undoubtedly cost the town thousands of dollars to resolve.
We will ensure that any benefit changes are fully reviewed and communicated to those impacted.
Union & Employee Contracts
Good-faith negotiation with unions and contracted employees is essential. The administration has stalled talks with the Police Union and left the new Chief of Police, who serves outside the union, working without a contract that was promised to him on day one.
We will call for an end to these delays and work to ensure that every agreement is negotiated promptly without unexplained delays.
Senior Tax Relief
Rising property taxes are forcing too many of our senior citizens to consider leaving their homes.
We are committed to ensuring senior tax relief to help long-time residents remain in our community. One option we plan to explore is an ordinance that would establish a local “tax freeze” (similar to Florida’s Homestead Act). Working closely with the RTM, we will analyze the numbers, assess the fiscal impact, and develop a responsible plan that balances compassion for our seniors with the town’s long-term financial health.
Education
As Fairfield dads, we know the importance of a top-notch education system for our children. Fairfield’s schools and our dedicated teachers have made Fairfield a standout community in Connecticut.
We will continue to support our teachers. We will also support a zero-based budgeting system to ensure your tax dollars are put to the highest and best use. We also need a long-term plan to address school infrastructure investments that are prioritized based on need and not political pressure.
Together, we can
have a united,
stronger community
Together, we can have a united, stronger community.
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more accountable fairfield
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Paid for by Meyers, Lynch & Pelsue for Fairfield BOF, Tom McCarthy, Treasurer
This message was approved by Brendan Lynch, Jim Meyers, and David Pelsue
Copyright © 2025. All Rights Reserved. Designed & Powered by REACH VOTERS.
Paid for by Meyers, Lynch & Pelsue for Fairfield BOF, Tom McCarthy, Treasurer | This message was approved by Brendan Lynch, Jim Meyers, and David Pelsue
Copyright © 2025. All Rights Reserved. Designed & Powered by REACH VOTERS.