The Truth about Bloomfield’s Finances and Future

Note: This post by Kenneth McClary was submitted to the Bloomfield Messenger for the September 5th edition, but it was not printed due to lack of space. In this post, Mr. McClary comments on claims made by Row B Council Candidates Rickford Kirton and Syd Schulman in previous editions of the Messenger. Mr. McClary currently serves as a Bloomfield Town Councilman and Chair of the Finance Committee. He is not running for reelection to the Council.

As primary day approaches, Bloomfield residents deserve more than half-truths – they deserve facts. Facts that are not negotiable, verifiably proven, and don’t bend to political spin. They cannot be changed no matter how many times someone repeats a mistruth.

Recently, candidates have published pieces filled with promises and accusations that don’t hold up when compared to reality. These narratives — that your government is hiding money, wasting resources, or failing to plan — are simply not true. Let’s set the record straight.

Taxes and Revaluation

Claim: “The four-year tax phase-in was supposed to ‘soften the blow.’ In reality, it’s been a backdoor tax hike.” – Rickford Kirton

Fact: Taxes have gone up —because of the state-mandated property revaluation that increased residential property values to market across town by an average of 51%. Even with 0% spending growth, the average homeowner would still pay more because of that revaluation, required by state law.

This Council worked to spread those increases over four years to soften the impact on families and seniors.

The Town’s Financial Standing and Accountability

Claim: “Bloomfield’s Fiscal Year 2024 audit… is still not done… This is a breakdown of financial accountability.” – Rickford Kirton

Fact: To call this a “breakdown” is wrong. The truth is the Town has received clean audits from its external auditors CliftonLarsonAllen year after year and reaffirmations from Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings – clear independent proof that our fiscal house is in order. External reviews, not sound bites, determine bond ratings, borrowing costs, and financial stability.

Over the past four years, this Council has strengthened accountability by:

• Consolidating services with the Board of Education.
• Negotiating labor savings that reduce long-term costs.
• Creating an Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

That is the opposite of a breakdown. It’s responsible management that protects taxpayers while positioning Bloomfield for long-term fiscal stability.

Contingency Fund

Claim: “Reduce the Town Council Contingency Fund by $300,000… Reduce the Town Manager’s Contingency Fund by $100,000.” – Syd Schulman

Fact: The Council’s contingency fund is $150,000. It is a modest cushion for unanticipated expenditures, not a budget tool. Using it as a recurring fix would be irresponsible, leaving the Town vulnerable.

Moreover, even if the entire fund was eliminated, it would have no meaningful impact on the mill rate or tax bills – it’s not enough money to make the difference candidates are promising.

Economic Development

Claim: “Hire an experienced, full-time Economic Development Director to work with our consultants.” – Syd Schulman

Fact: Bloomfield already has a director responsible for economic development and a proven consultant team (Goman + York) delivering results.

Claim: “Hold public hearings… Create a list of vacant/available commercial buildings…” – Syd Schulman

Fact: Public input has already been extensive. The Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD) and new Town Center Plan were developed with broad resident and business input. A list of vacant and available commercial properties exists, is updated quarterly, and is available to all.

Claim: “Cancel the proposed $4,000,000 appropriation from our Rainy Day Fund.” – Syd Schulman

Fact: That $4M is the required local match for a $23M state Community Investment Grant that could revitalize Bloomfield’s Town Center. Canceling its transfer to Committed Fund Balance could mean losing tens of millions in outside investment.

Education and Services

Claim: Rickford Kirton and Syd Schulman suggest millions can be cut from the budget to lower the mill rate without consequences.

Fact: Cutting $3.2 million without specifics is not a plan — it’s a talking point. To hit numbers like that, you’d have to cut staff, eliminate services, and reduce programs.

Restoring Accountability

Claim: “For years, those lines have been blurred. I will work to restore balance so government functions efficiently, transparently, and in service to the people.” – Rickford Kirton

Fact: The real threat to accountability was Bloomfield’s past – the revolving door of Town Managers and political instability that cost taxpayers money and delayed progress.

This Council ended that pattern, bringing stability to leadership, clear roles, and long-term planning. With clean audits, strong bond ratings, and a functioning Council system, accountability is not something to be “restored.” It’s already in practice.

Waste, Nepotism, and Staffing

Claim: “Too many payrolls are inflated, and too many jobs are based on connections instead of qualifications.” – Rickford Kirton

Fact: The suggestion of nepotism is false. Hiring is based on qualifications and competitive processes. Payrolls are not inflated; in fact, costs have been reduced through service consolidations with the Board of Education, saving hundreds of thousands.

The Choice Ahead

I live here too. My family, like yours, feels the pressure of higher costs. But I will not mislead you. The Council has made tough, fact-based decisions to protect services, invest in education, strengthen economic development, and keep Bloomfield financially stable.

We cannot afford to gamble on recycled candidates with recycled arguments, backed by outside interests. On Election Day, look at the record. Look at the facts. And let’s keep Bloomfield strong.