After budget workshops and discussions between the council, Mayor Laura R. Hoydick, town department heads, and Chief Administrative Officer Chris Tymniak, the Town Council approved a budget of $266,046,133 that matches the total amount originally proposed by Hoydick.The budget was supported by council members Bryan O'Connor, Alvin O'Neal, Anthony Afriyie, Kerry Whitham, Carl Glad, Alan ...
After budget workshops and discussions between the council, Mayor Laura R. Hoydick, town department heads, and Chief Administrative Officer Chris Tymniak, the Town Council approved a budget of $266,046,133 that matches the total amount originally proposed by Hoydick.
The budget was supported by council members Bryan O'Connor, Alvin O'Neal, Anthony Afriyie, Kerry Whitham, Carl Glad, Alan Llewelyn, and Paul Aurelia.
“I greatly appreciate the collaboration of our department heads when submitting their requests which was the foundation of my proposed budget to the Town Council at the beginning of this process,” Hoydick said in a news release. “I am also grateful to the Town Council for their decision to amend the budget with necessary increases for certain Town services. I’m pleased that we were able to realize a savings in the employee health insurance line item, all of which contributed to achieving a balanced budget.”
The budget keeps taxes flat, and maintains the 40.20 mill rate and the vehicle mill rate of 32.46.
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Read more from the news release below:
“This budget reflects our Town’s values and a clear vision for its future,” Hoydick said. “By keeping a flat tax rate, we’re acting in the best interest of our residents—helping families, seniors, and individuals manage their own priorities while we continue delivering the services they rely on. This budget invests in what matters most: public safety, well-maintained public spaces, a fully funded school district, and strong, responsive Town services. I’m proud of the direction Stratford is heading. With this foundation, we can continue to move forward with confidence and continue building a vibrant, inclusive community for everyone who calls Stratford home.
“I would also like to thank Superintendent Heather Borges for her leadership and dedication to the Stratford Public Schools. The approved Town budget for Fiscal Year 2026 fully supports the operating budget requested by the Stratford Board of Education and the Stratford Public Schools Administration. Additionally, I commend the Town Council for approving a Special Education Non-Lapsing Fund with this budget, setting up financial reserves to cover unforeseen Special Education expenses that may exceed the approved allocation.
“The approved budget of $132,953,937 for Stratford Public Schools stands for a strong investment in our students’ academic growth and achievements. We are confident this funding will provide the critical resources and support our educators and staff need to help every student thrive.”
Council Chair Carl Glad said, “I am proud that we were able to pass the 2025–2026 budget with no increase to taxes or the mill rate. This achievement reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility while continuing to invest in the services our residents rely on. I want to sincerely thank Mayor Hoydick, her administration, and department heads for their transparency throughout this process. The information they provided was instrumental in helping us finalize a budget that meets the needs of our community without placing additional burden on taxpayers."
Tax bills will be mailed out during the last week of June, along with the 2025–2027 resident sticker for vehicles. This sticker allows entrance to Town beaches, parks, and the transfer station, as well as parking access for a variety of community events throughout the season.
Hoydick reminds residents, “Be sure to display it on the driver's side of your car's front windshield and take full advantage of everything Stratford has to offer!”