Board plans hybrid budget hearing with department displays, names school as backup location

Board members proposed a hybrid format for the upcoming budget hearing in which department heads would bring spreadsheets and displays so the public could see which programs or line items would be affected by proposed cuts.

One member said the board should be prepared to show how an amendment to reduce the budget to a 1.4% increase (compared with other figures discussed, including a 3% reference) would translate into specific department reductions. Officials estimated voters would be looking at roughly a half-million-dollar reduction in addition to about $400,000 the board had already cut; those figures were presented as approximate and attributed during discussion.

Because the hearing could draw a large crowd, board members discussed contingency plans if the Town Hall filled: postponing the meeting to a time and date certain and reconvening at the school annex, or holding the meeting and recessing to the school without re-noticing if done within procedural rules. Members noted staff could announce a location change up to two hours before the meeting when necessary. Several members recommended coordinating with the school for annex availability and with town staff to ensure sound and visibility, including a functioning sound system and on-screen spreadsheets.

The board asked department heads to be prepared to identify specific items that would be removed under several reduction scenarios so members and the public could understand trade-offs. The board did not take a formal vote on the format; staff were directed to prepare for the hybrid meeting and to coordinate backup logistics with the school.