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Select Board and advisory committee review budget lines and warn of higher tax impact
Summary
Select Board and advisory committee members reviewed the proposed FY26 budget and warrant articles, discussed options to trim select line items and warned that the town may face an above‑typical tax increase if major items are funded.
Select Board members and the town advisory committee met to review the proposed FY26 operating budget and warrant articles as the town approaches annual town meeting. Advisory members said the town’s budget requests and warrant articles, as presented, could produce a materially higher tax impact and recommended further review of specific line items.
Finance committee members and staff walked through several suggested reductions including timing of the county retirement payment to capture a discount, modest reductions to insurance and long‑term claims estimates, and possible deferral or phasing of facility projects. "Let's see what comes through with the state budget and the school side," one Select Board member said, noting uncertainty around external revenue and school negotiations.
The advisory group recommended possible partial reductions for insurance and long‑term claims and suggested budgeting audiovisual support for town meeting at a reduced level with contingency planning for the May session. On certain capital requests — stormwater, transfer station improvements and repair projects — attendees proposed lowering some preliminary figures with the option to revisit through a fall review or at special town meeting if needed.
Participants emphasized that while some line items could be trimmed, many requests came from department heads and reflected operational needs. Several Select Board members and advisory members voiced concern the town needs to plan for ongoing facility and service costs, particularly given the upcoming Thornton Burgess site and added building footprint.
No binding votes were taken to change the warrant; the board and advisory committee agreed to continue reviewing numbers and to consider whether certain revisions should be made now or deferred until the fall when final free‑cash and state numbers are clearer. The groups scheduled further discussion before town meeting.
