Chester, CT town hall & government
Chester spent $13.8 million in the year to June 30, 2024, about $3,679 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Chester's government.
Where Chester's money goes
Chester runs its own schools, so school spending is part of its budget. Comparisons are with other Connecticut towns.
Where the money comes from
- Property taxes 77%
- From the state 11%
- Interest, fines & other 7%
- Fees & charges 4%
- Other taxes & licenses 1%
- From the federal government <1%
Chester didn't report all of its 2024 figures to the Census Bureau, so most of these numbers are the Bureau's estimates.
Who works for Chester
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2022. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Regional School District 04
Chester's middle and high school district, shared with Deep River and Essex. The schools are run by Chester, so this money is part of the budget above.
Where the district's money comes from Connecticut districts overall: 58% local, 35% state, 8% federal
- Local 84%
- State 11%
- Federal 4%
Of the $32,549 per pupil, $16,115 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Also serving Chester: Chester School District ($34,396 per pupil).
Which schools Chester kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Chester pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Chester's government
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.