The New Fairfield Board of Selectmen has voted on a proposed budget for the coming fiscal year.  Members approved the $11.1 million plan unanimously. It includes an overall increase of 5.56 percent.  The amount covers the Capital and nonrecurring budget. 

The original proposed Board of Selectmen budget was going to have a 13-percent increase, but it was brought down through various cuts.  The 5.56 percent increase includes necessary adjustments for a change implemented in July in the way the state funds the Resident State Trooper program. 

Previously, municipalities with Resident State Troopers had to pay 70-percent of the trooper's salaries and benefits.  Connecticut officials changed that to 85-percent of the cost for the first two troopers, and 100-percent of the cost for any subsequent troopers on staff.  At all times there are at least two Troopers or Officers working.  New Fairfield has a full time dedicated Sergeant from the State Police in town as well as six additional resident troopers, dedicated to town 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The town also employs six full time New Fairfield Officers.

The proposal will be presented to the New Fairfield Board of Finance on March 5th.