April 28th Referendum - What You Need to Know

Mayor Pete Hess • April 15, 2026

April 28th Referendum

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Everyone wants a better town—safer roads, stronger neighborhoods, modern facilities—but too often, the cost stands in the way. This referendum resolves that tension. It delivers a comprehensive, borough-wide upgrade now, without increasing the mill rate, by leveraging disciplined financial planning and future revenue already on the horizon.


This is not incremental improvement. This is completion.


WHAT THE PLAN DELIVERS (AT A GLANCE)

In Order of Impact:

  1. Expedited paving of all Borough roads
  2. Town-wide emergency communication system (no dead zones)
  3. Strategic advancement of animal control facility (design + utilities)
  4. Upgraded parks, fields, and community spaces


View ALL CAPITAL PROJECTS

EXPEDITED ROAD COMPLETION — FIRST PRIORITY

CURRENT PLAN: 6 years
PROPOSED PLAN: 2 years

  • All remaining roads fully paved
  • Micro-paving protects recent work
  • Coordinated with drainage and utilities


RESULT:
A completed road system—and a disciplined plan to keep it that way.


View Paving Plan

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS — PUBLIC SAFETY

CURRENT ISSUE

  • Communication gaps in key areas
  • Limited interoperability in emergencies


SOLUTION

  • Fully integrated system for police, fire, and EMS
  • Reliable coverage in all locations



RESULT

  • Faster response times
  • Seamless coordination
  • Safer outcomes

ANIMAL CONTROL FACILITY — STRATEGIC STEP

FUNDED NOW

  • Design and engineering
  • Site preparation and utilities


NEXT STEP

  • Positions Borough for state/federal construction grants
  • Enables immediate action when funding is secured


KEY POINT:
This is how you build smart—prepare now, build later with outside funding.

PARKS, FIELDS & COMMUNITY SPACES

  • Renovation of parks and athletic fields
  • Improvements to schools and recreation areas
  • Modernization of Senior Center
  • Renovation of the Historical Society


RESULT:

A stronger quality of life across every neighborhood.

HOW IT WORKS — NO TAX INCREASE

FUTURE REVENUE (BY 2033)

  • $6M/year → Amazon fully taxable
  • $4M/year → Pension debt retired
    = $10M/year improvement


FINANCING STRATEGY

  • Debt payments aligned with future revenues
  • No mill rate increase
  • Projects delivered immediately


BOTTOM LINE:
We act now—using tomorrow’s strength.

MAXIMIZING OUTSIDE FUNDING

  • Local investment unlocks millions in grants
  • Design funding = construction eligibility
  • Animal control facility is a prime example

The Bottom Line

✔ All roads paved
✔ Reliable emergency communications
✔ Grant-ready animal control facility
✔ Upgraded parks and public spaces
✔ Stronger, more modern Borough


All without increasing the mill rate

CLOSING

The smartest communities prioritize what matters—and execute when the opportunity is real.

This plan finishes the roads, strengthens public safety, and positions Naugatuck for the future—without asking more from taxpayers today.



Smart growth. Real results. No added burden.

Vote Yes.

- Mayor Pete Hess