Town Council hears FY 2026 budget overview; manager cites 5.7% operating increase, school budget as largest driver

Summary

Town Manager Matt Sturgis and Finance Director Helene DeBartolomeo presented a draft FY 2026 municipal budget March 10 that proposes $16,156,757 in general operating expenditures — a 5.7% increase — and a tax levy that, before new property valuation is applied, would raise net taxes by about 5% compared with last year.

Town Manager Matt Sturgis and Finance Director Helene DeBartolomeo opened the Town Council’s budget season March 10 with a draft municipal operating budget that proposes $16,156,757 in general operating expenditures — a 5.7% increase over the prior year.

“The big 1 of the overarching goals of this budget is to ensure financial accountability and sustainability while still providing quality public services,” Sturgis told the Council, summarizing a packet that frames the town’s spending plan against inflationary pressures on residents and operations.

The proposal estimates non‑property tax revenues of $8,577,689 (up about 6%) and lists the net taxes to be raised at $7,000,005.79 — described in the presentation as a tax rate impact of $0.68 and “just over a 5% increase” compared with last year’s levy. Sturgis emphasized that the estimate is shown on a zero‑growth…

Town Council hears FY 2026 budget overview; manager cites 5.7% operating increase, school budget as largest driver

Summary

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