Our town is comprised of a dynamic and diverse group of residents whether it be based on party affiliation, age, or income. The most prevalent commonality is that, regardless of which bucket we fall into, we all want what is best for Brookfield.

Before detailing the many ways this latest budget proposed by the Board of Finance benefits all residents, we’ll toss out the reminder that government is in the business of providing services. All community members count on educational or municipal services to be provided. To provide services that meet the needs of all residents, a government, including both education and municipal, must be properly funded.

The current proposed budget up for referendum on May 29 provides the means to meet the needs of all residents. It includes well-planned funding for our schools to propel success and support all students. Driven largely by a combination of inflationary/contractual increases and legally required services, the school operating budget proposal is below what would be considered a status quo budget. Through strategic reductions and increased efficiency, it continues to move toward excellence of the great schools that are a positive driver of property values.

This responsible and transparent budget includes critical municipal services, such as maintaining the safety of our roads and the Still River Greenway, providing our first responders with the tools they need in emergencies, and a competitive environment for those servicing our great town. In addition, the budget supports the library, senior center, and beautiful parks vital to our community.

We urge all Brookfield residents to vote yes to both questions on May 29. Two yes votes are two votes for the future of Brookfield.

Sean Hathorn

Colette Sturm

Brookfield