Memorandum of Decision on Cross Motions for Summary Judgment
BLOOMFIELD, CT – The Connecticut Superior Court has issued a ruling on HHD-CV25-6206253-S: Rickford Kirton, Sydney Schulman, Lucy Hurston v. Town of Bloomfield et al in favor of the Town of Bloomfield, its elected officials, and senior staff, upholding the validity of the Town’s FY2026 Adopted Budget and the May 28, 2025, budget referendum.
In its Memorandum of Decision, which was published on December 29, 2025, the Court granted summary judgment to the defendants, rejecting all claims that challenged the legality of the budget process, the referendum question, and the Town Council’s actions. The Court concluded that Bloomfield complied with its Town Charter and applicable law and that voters were properly informed throughout the process.
The Court specifically ruled that the transfer of $4 million from the Town’s unassigned fund balance to the Economic Development Trust was not a “non-budgeted appropriation” and therefore was not subject to additional referendum requirements, reaffirming the actions taken by the Town Council. The Court also found no evidence that the referendum notice or ballot language was misleading or that the outcome of the vote was affected.
Mayor Anthony C. Harrington stated: “This decision reaffirms the integrity of Bloomfield’s democracy and its financial processes. Our residents were given accurate information, meaningful opportunities to engage, and a lawful referendum. The Court’s ruling confirms that the will of the voters was respected and properly carried out.”
The Court’s decision further emphasized the extensive public process undertaken by the Town, including formal notices, multiple public hearings, published budget materials, a public budget forum, and opportunities for public comment prior to both the Annual Town Meeting, where the budget was adopted, and the portioned referendum vote.
Town Attorney, Andrew Crumbie, joined Town Manager, Alvin D. Schwapp, Jr. stating: “This well-reasoned Court decision reaffirmed the Town’s actions regarding the referendum; and while we respect each individual’s right to seek judicial review of the actions of any government actor, this meritless lawsuit, fueled solely by partisan politics, placed an unnecessary financial burden upon the residents of Bloomfield.
Defending this lawsuit required the use of over $100k of unbudgeted taxpayer funds that could otherwise have supported critical Town services and community priorities. We are thankful the Court has weighed in to provide a clear resolution to this issue.”
The FY2026 Adopted Budget, which remains fully valid and in effect, supports essential Town services, long-term financial stability, and responsible planning for Bloomfield’s future.