Town of Seymour Annual Budget Process
The Town Charter and local ordinances govern the Town of Seymour’s annual budget process, which typically begins during the first week of February for the upcoming fiscal year starting on July 1. Town departments, the Board of Education, and the First Selectwoman develop proposed budgets and submit them to the Board of Finance. The Board of Finance reviews the requests, may make adjustments, and holds one or more public hearings to receive resident input. Following the public hearing process, the Board of Finance adopts a recommended budget. The recommended budget is then presented to Seymour voters for discussion at the Annual Town Meeting, which is held on the first Tuesday in April each year. At the conclusion of the Town Meeting, the budget is forwarded to a town-wide referendum for a vote by the residents. Residents are encouraged to participate throughout the process by attending meetings, reviewing budget materials, and providing feedback at public hearings before the referendum vote.
Department Heads prepare Town department budgets under the direction of the First Selectwoman, while the Board of Education prepares the education budget. These proposed budgets are submitted to the Board of Finance for review.
The Board of Finance reviews the proposed Town and education budgets and may make changes as needed. The Board holds public hearings so residents can share their thoughts before a final budget is recommended. Once the Board of Finance completes its review, it determines the final budget that will be sent to voters for approval at referendum.
Residents may provide input at Board of Finance public hearings, which are typically held in the spring. In some years, the Board of Finance may schedule more than one public hearing to allow additional opportunity for public participation.
After the Board of Finance adopts a recommended budget, it is presented to Seymour voters for approval at a town-wide referendum, usually held in late spring before the start of the fiscal year on July 1.
Budget documents, meeting agendas, hearing notices, and referendum information are posted on the Town’s website and made available in accordance with state law and Town ordinances.
Public participation ensures transparency and allows residents to provide feedback before budget decisions are finalized. Resident input at public hearings helps inform the Board of Finance before its final recommendation and the referendum vote.
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FY 2026 Town of Seymour Annual Budget
