Braintree Town Council approves $175M budget for fiscal year 2026 and programs

Braintree Town Council has taken significant steps to address the community's fiscal needs for the upcoming fiscal year 2026, approving a comprehensive budget totaling $175,664,045 during their meeting on May 27, 2025. This budget will support the maintenance and operation of various town departments and programs, with funding sourced from multiple accounts, including golf course receipts and water and sewer revenues.

Key allocations include $2,281,570 for the town's golf course operations, $23,905,194 for water and sewer services, and $1,624,405 for stormwater management. The council unanimously approved these appropriations, reflecting a collaborative effort to ensure essential services are adequately funded.

In addition to departmental budgets, the council established a special purpose stabilization fund for unanticipated special education costs, a move aimed at providing financial flexibility for the Braintree Public Schools. This fund will help manage the unpredictable nature of special education expenses, ensuring that necessary services can be maintained without compromising other educational programs.

The council also discussed enhancements to the Senior Work Off Program, increasing the maximum household cap from $1,500 to $2,000, and raising the total program cap from $50,000 to $75,000. This initiative allows seniors to volunteer their time in exchange for property tax relief, a valuable resource for those on fixed incomes.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to fiscal responsibility and community support, with plans for ongoing outreach to ensure residents are aware of available programs and resources. As Braintree prepares for the new fiscal year, these decisions are expected to have a lasting positive impact on the town's services and its residents' quality of life.