Select Board members at the Aug. 27 retreat discussed moving the town’s FY27 budget timeline earlier and directed the town office to ask department heads to start submitting budget “need” and “want” lists in October.

Why it matters: Board members said earlier submissions should give the town more time to assemble the tax recap sheet, set the tax rate and reduce the risk of late tax‑bill schedules that can defer resident obligations. Members cited the school assessment as a major fiscal uncertainty and noted potential state actions (a governor’s request for 9C authority to reduce aid) that could further affect municipal revenues.

What the board discussed: Participants described past practice — starting budget work in December — and argued in favor of starting the process in October so department heads, advisory committee and accounting staff could review priorities, produce a capital improvement ‘want’ list, and compile required documentation (including inventory and capital requests) earlier. Several members suggested departments submit both a needs list (essential recurring costs) and a wants list (capital and discretionary requests) to help the board and advisory committee prioritize.

Direction to staff: The board agreed to instruct the town administrator’s office to notify department heads to prepare and submit FY27 budget materials beginning in October and to include inventory and capital requests with their submissions so the board and advisory committee have information before November tax recap deadlines.

Context and caveats: Members noted several complicating factors: pending collective bargaining agreements, the annual school assessment (Chapter 70 funding shortfalls and school choice impacts), possible changes to state aid and the town’s practice of using one‑time funds (free cash or stabilization) for recurring expenses. The Select Board discussed the need to avoid relying on one‑time revenues to balance recurring budget items.

Next steps: The board will direct the town office to issue a notice to departments; chairs of the Select Board, advisory committee and school committee plan to meet and review early estimates. The board also scheduled candidate interviews for the town administrator search to continue as part of its near‑term agenda.