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Friday, August 14, 2026
Farmington, CT|Independent Local News
The Farmington Mercury

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Brian F.X. Connolly

Chair, Farmington Town Council, At Large (D)

Chair of the Farmington, CT Town Council (Democrat). Farmington elected its first Democratic council chair in 70 years in November 2025. Launched the monthly "Common Grounds: Coffee and Conversation" resident series in July 2026.

Roles

Coverage (12 articles)

Farmington Approves the Meadow Road Sidewalk After Two Years of Debate

Jack Beckett·

The Farmington Town Council voted unanimously to build a sidewalk along Meadow Road, approving the revised Option 2 alignment after two years of hearings, a deferral, and a redesign. The fight was never whether to build it, but which side of the road it belongs on.

Farmington Council Extends Town Manager's Contract to 2030, Adds $15,000 Bonus

Jack Beckett·

Farmington's Town Council reviewed Town Manager Kathleen Blonski behind closed doors on June 23, then returned to open session and unanimously extended her contract through June 30, 2030, raised her salary 3 percent, and awarded her a $15,000 bonus. The deliberation was private; the decision, as state law requires, was public.

Farmington Town Council Comes Out Against the Truck Stop

Jack Beckett·

Farmington's Town Council issued two unanimous negative referrals June 9, opposing the Noble Energy truck stop at 8261 Fienemann Road and a separate National Land Holdings residential project, even though the binding decisions still belong to the planning and wetlands boards.

Tinty Park Stays a Park: Legal Opinion Closes Farmington's Cemetery Question

Jack Beckett·

A legal opinion delivered to the Farmington Town Council on May 26 concludes that using the Don Tinty parcel for cemetery purposes would violate the 2004 deed covenant, and that the town has no legal obligation to provide burial grounds. Chair Brian F. X. Connolly delivered the news in a statement that came after Patti Boye-Williams moved to amend the agenda to add it. Two of the Nadia's Way neighbors who packed the May 12 meeting returned to thank the council. The opinion will appear in the June 9 manager's report.

Farmington Sets Mill Rate at 27.36

Jack Beckett·

The Town Council voted unanimously to set the property tax rate at 27.36 mills for fiscal year 2026–27 and to divide an unexpected $1.7 million state aid grant — half for current taxpayers, half in reserve for a revaluation year the council is watching with caution.

Farmington Passes $143M Budget for 2026-27

Jack Beckett·

Farmington's Town Council approved a $143.2M budget for FY 2026-27, setting a 27.55 mill rate and locking in $564K in regional dispatch savings.

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