NEW HAVEN, CT – Mayor Justin Elicker announced the appointment of two new staff members to serve in key leadership positions in his administration: Shannon McCue as Budget Director and Karen Gauthier as Tax Collector.

“Budget and taxes go together hand-in-hand, as all municipal budgets are a balancing act between the need and demand for services and the ability and desire to pay for them. We’re committed to stewarding taxpayer dollars in a transparent and responsible manner that builds upon the successes we’ve had in recent years to drive inclusive growth and opportunity for the residents of New Haven.” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “I’m excited to welcome Shannon McCue and Karen Gauthier to the team at City Hall. Both are seasoned professionals who are respected by their peers, have proven track records of success, and a demonstrated commitment to public service. I’m confident New Haven residents will be well-served by these experienced leaders, and I’m thankful to Shannon and Karen for joining our administration, believing in our vision, and serving our residents and city.”

The City of New Haven’s most recently adopted budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 is $679 million in general fund expenses. Since Mayor Elicker took office in 2020, the City has produced five consecutive years of budget surpluses and steadily increased its fund balance to its current rainy-day fund total of $43.9 million. This has been achieved through a combination of increased revenues while also engaging in responsible spending that does not exceed inflation, holding the line on city borrowing to $30 million per year for critical infrastructure projects, and properly forecasting the performance of and making the required investments into the city’s pension funds. Thanks to the work and advocacy of New Haven’s state delegation and many local groups, revenue from New Haven’s state PILOT (Payment In-Lieu of Taxes) has doubled in funding from $41 million to $91 million annually and Yale University’s annual voluntary contribution to the city has increased from $13 million to $23 million, which has occurred alongside other positive revenue streams from a growing local economy and tax base.

In response to these efforts, the City of New Haven’s bonding rating has been upgraded for the last two consecutive years, including most recently by S&P Global Ratings, which raised the Elm City’s long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on the city’s general obligation (GO) debt from ‘BBB+’ to ‘A-’. 

Shannon McCue -- Budget Director

As budget director, Shannon McCue is responsible for coordinating, planning, developing, preparing, executing, and monitoring the implementation of the city’s annual budget in a manner consistent with the mayor’s direction and as adopted by the Board of Alders. The budget director serves as the mayor’s principal advisor on budgetary strategy, financial forecasting, and ensuring the city’s current and long-range financial direction and health. The budget director oversees the Office of Policy, Management, and Grants, which includes the city’s accounting office, budget office, grants processes, risk management and workers compensation office, treasury office, employee wellness program, and also shares audit and procurement responsibilities with the city controller. 

"I am deeply honored to take on the role of Budget Director for the City of New Haven. Working with Mayor Elicker and the dedicated team at City Hall, my goal is to ensure prudent fiscal management that aligns with the needs and values of our community,” shared Budget Director McCue. “I’m committed to ensuring that our budgeting process is transparent, accountable and forward-looking, addressing the evolving needs of our residents and advancing New Haven's growth and success in the years to come."  

Shannon McCue brings more than eighteen years of financial expertise and leadership to the position of budget director, including a deep understanding of municipal budget and tax policies. McCue has worked on municipal finance and budgeting in both the public and private sectors. She began her public sector career as a Senior Budget Analyst with the New York City Office of Management and Budget. She later worked at Moody’s, US Bank, and most recently served as a Senior Director at Fitch Ratings Agency where she led a team of analysts who evaluated the creditworthiness of large municipal governments. McCue holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Washington and a Master of Science in Urban Affairs from Hunter College.

The role was most recently held by Michael Gormany who retired in April after more than 20 years of service with the City of New Haven, and who subsequently served in a part-time consulting capacity until a new budget director was identified. The position reports to the mayor.

Karen Gauthier -- Tax Collector

As tax collector, Karen Gauthier will be responsible for planning, organizing, billing, and administering the collection of municipal taxes, including motor vehicle, real property, personal property taxes, and other related revenue in accordance with the City Charter, city ordinances, and Connecticut General Statutes. The Tax Collector supervises the Tax Collection Division, which is a part of the Office of Policy, Management, and Grants.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to bring thirteen years of tax collection experience to work on behalf of the residents and city of New Haven,” said Tax Collector Gauthier.  “The Tax Collection Division is committed to delivering outstanding service to the residents of New Haven and to ensuring the efficient and timely collection of taxes and revenue that pay for city services.”

Gauthier is a Certified Connecticut Municipal Collector and brings more than a dozen years of municipal tax collection experience to the position of Tax Collector. Gauthier began her public sector career as Tax Collector Clerk for the Town of Colchester, Connecticut. She later worked as a Financial Assistant for the Town of Groton, Connecticut, and most recently served as the Tax Collector for the Town of Montville for the past five years. Gauthier is a member of the Connecticut Tax Collectors Association and the Northeast Tax Collectors and Treasurers Association. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Arts in Education from Sacred Heart University.

The role of tax collector was previously held by Maurine Villani who retired in January 2024 and by Deputy Tax Collector Tamara Kirby who served as acting tax collector until a permanent replacement was identified. The position reports to the Budget Director, Shannon McCue, and to the City Controller, Kristy Sampieri.