Selectmen hear FY26 budget update; insurance and retirement costs drive planning

Town finance staff and the Town Administrator updated the Board of Selectmen on progress toward the FY26 budget during the Feb. 11 meeting, saying department budgets are largely complete but projections for some fixed costs remain pending.

Assistant or finance staff reported that department budgets are as final as possible at this time and that the town is awaiting the Worcester County Regional Retirement system’s official rate for the coming year. Preliminary insurance estimates were mentioned: medical insurance is estimated to increase by about 15 percent and dental by about 2.5 percent, though the administration said the dental estimate is lower than what some other towns are seeing and the numbers are not yet official.

Selectmen were told staff continue to meet with boards and committees to identify potential budget reductions and to monitor revenues so the town can present a balanced FY26 plan at town meeting.

Warrant articles reported to the board so far include two submissions from the library (a revolving fund and a web page), one from the police department requesting funding for two administrative vehicles, and four from public works seeking funding for a truck, dam-related work and inspections, paving, and water meters. The board indicated it will add or finalize warrant language as deadlines approach.

Meeting attendees were also told a joint meeting between the Boards of Selectmen and finance committees of Blackstone and Millville will be held Monday, March 3 at 6 p.m. to further review and discuss the budget.

The board directed staff to continue refining numbers and to report back as the county retirement and official insurance rates are received.