The Ridgefield Board of Finance has voted to reduce the proposed $125.3 million budget for the Board of Education, a 4.62 percent increase, and instead apply approximately $1.45 million in anticipated fiscal year 2026 surplus to the upcoming budget. The board also approved a $15.9 million gross capital budget, which is expected to be reduced to about $10.4 million after grants and other offsets. The most recent capital plan was higher than in previous years due to deferred public safety facility work following failed proposals for a new police and fire complex. Despite concerns about the pace of spending growth and its impact on taxpayers, the board recommended a $123.8 million budget, a 3.35 percent increase over the current year, which could result in an estimated 3.52 percent mill rate increase.