BOF Budget Vote Results
- Laura Devlin
- Apr 4
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Dear Fairfielders,
Fighting for Fiscal Responsibility: The Republican Caucus Stands Firm
Last night, the Board of Finance deliberated and voted on First Selectman Gerber’s proposed budget. In a disappointing but predictable move, the Democrat majority voted along party lines to increase spending, expand middle management, and add layers of unnecessary bureaucracy to local government—violating the Town Charter in the process. With complete control over all levels of town government, they have abandoned checks and balances, allowing reckless budgeting to go unchecked.
Yet, despite these challenges, Republican members of the Board of Finance stood firm, fighting for accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
Republicans Push for Smart Budgeting, Not Bureaucracy
We extend our sincere gratitude to Jim Walsh for his motion to restore $1 million to the Board of Education budget—ensuring student programs remain intact, teacher salary commitments are met, and essential services like transportation are funded.
We also proudly recognize Amy Ruggiero, Mary LeClerc, and Jim Meyers, who along with Jim Walsh led the charge in proposing thoughtful and responsible budget offsets to minimize the financial burden on taxpayers. Their solutions were pragmatic and fair, yet the Democrat majority refused to consider them.
One bipartisan win did emerge—the addition of a Risk Manager position, a necessary role to safeguard taxpayer dollars. However, skepticism remains over the Administration’s decision to bury the role within the Operations Department, under a Projects Manager with no experience in risk management. This decision raises questions about whether this position will be used effectively—or simply serve as another example of mismanagement.
Republicans took a responsible approach to funding necessary increases, including this role and education spending, by identifying realistic revenue increases in departments like the Town Clerk’s Office and Building Department. These adjustments reflect actual trends in fee collections and demand, providing a smart alternative to arbitrary tax hikes.
Exposing Misguided Decisions & Holding the Majority Accountable
Democrats continue to push through decisions without transparency or due process. The RTM’s Democrat majority voted to dissolve the long-standing Parking Authority, forcing the Board of Finance to manage the financial consequences. Mary LeClerc rightly pointed out the need for a self-sustaining fund to prevent Parking Authority revenues from being used to cover budget shortfalls elsewhere. Amy Ruggiero called out this blatant revenue sweep as a "money grab," exposing the Gerber Administration’s attempt to raid the Parking Authority’s budget in direct violation of State lease terms.
Meanwhile, the Town government bloat continues. The budget was increased to make the First Selectman’s Communications Director a full-time position—essentially a publicist for the administration—at taxpayer expense.
When Republicans proposed common-sense cuts to excessive Town Hall budgets to offset restored Board of Education funding, Democrats ignored them outright. Instead of making responsible choices, they are passing the cost directly onto taxpayers with a 2.12% tax increase.
Your Voices Are Making a Difference
Thanks to your advocacy, we have compelled the administration to rethink and defend their poor planning. Your pushback even led to the removal of a last-minute $100,000 Registrar’s Office position—a direct result of engaged, vocal residents demanding accountability.
We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to stay engaged as the budget process moves to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). The Democrat-led tax increase is now in their hands—let’s hold them accountable.
Thank you for making your voices heard. Together, we are fighting for a government that works for the people—not for political interests. Read more here.
Efficiency or Favoritism? Questioning the Role of the Chief of Staff
Speaking of Efficiencies
Seeking efficiencies in government is always commendable and necessary—every taxpayer wants their dollars used wisely. But when efforts to improve processes come with quiet hires, personal connections, and a lack of transparency, it's worth asking some hard questions.
Recently, the Gerber Administration quietly brought on Rick Brown, the husband of Chief of Staff Christine Brown, described as a “volunteer”—to work with town departments in identifying process improvements. While streamlining operations is a worthwhile goal, the circumstances surrounding these appointments raise concerns.
First, what exactly is the role of the Chief of Staff Christine Brown? Shouldn't she already be responsible for overseeing and improving efficiencies in the administration, especially after being awarded a significant pay raise? If so, why does she need her husband to take on this work? If not, then what is her day-to-day role?
Second, the lack of transparency is a recurring theme in this administration. Were other qualified individuals considered for these roles? How was Rick Brown selected? And if he is a “volunteer,” what level of authority does he have over town departments?
Taxpayers deserve clear answers. Efficiency should never be a cover for favoritism, and public trust depends on openness—not backroom deals. The Gerber Administration must explain why these hires were made, what their true role is, and whether the Chief of Staff is fulfilling her responsibilities to the Town.
We hope you find this information helpful. Please contact us at rtc@fairfieldrtc.com with any questions, we always welcome hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Laura M. Devlin
RTC Chair
Mike Grant
RTC Vice Chair
RTM’s Rushed Decision To Dissolve Parking Authority Is Concerning
A letter from RTM Republican Minority Leader Jeff Steele
On Monday, the Fairfield Representative Town Meeting (RTM) voted to dissolve the Parking Authority, an independent agency that has operated effectively for close to 50 years, on a near party line vote (27-11) and allow the Town to take over operations. As a member of the RTM, I expressed my strong opposition to this proposal, a move that I believe is not only unnecessary and done haphazardly but is also potentially harmful to commuters and taxpayers alike. Further, the entire process was rushed unnecessarily (and potentially in violation of the rules) without due process and consideration of input from the Parking Authority itself, the commuters, and the public.
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