WILTON – Officials said Tuesday that many town services may need to increase fees significantly or be eliminated if the Carol Palesky tax cap referendum passes in November.

Town Manager Peter Nielsen estimated that the town budget would go from a $2.2 million to $826,000. He proposed a possible scenario that includes no money for services like the Police Department, library, hydrant rentals, transfer station, recycling, recreation and social services.

Nielsen said he has already asked department heads to think about what they might do if they need to cut their budgets significantly.

“We worked very hard this year to cut the budget from 21 to 20 mills. That’s still a long way from 10 mills,” Nielsen said.

Sewer and Water Superintendent Russ Mathers said Nielsen’s estimates mean a 29 percent decrease in the Water Department budget. Mathers said that would mean an increase in water rates by about $36 per quarter, but Wilton’s rates would still be lower than most in the state.

Nielsen agreed to get information out by any means possible to make the public aware of the ramifications of the Palesky referendum.

“I think we need to make sure the voters know that two-thirds of what they currently have won’t exist,” Selectman Keith Swett said.

Selectmen accepted a letter of retirement from longtime Police Chief James Parker. Parker, a lifelong resident of Wilton, has been on the Wilton Police force for 32 years. He has served as chief for the past 26 years. Parker will serve his last day as chief Sept. 7.

In his letter, Parker told officials that although he has talked about retiring for about a year, the move is very difficult for him.

“I did not take the position for granted and I served each and every day to the best of my abilities,” he said.

Selectmen took no action on finding a replacement for Parker. Nielsen agreed to get information from other towns and present it to selectmen Aug. 17.

Officials will also decide what they can do for Parker to show their appreciation for his service.