Skowhegan approves FY26 spending package; debate erupts over transfers from capital reserve accounts

Skowhegan — Voters at the Town of Skowhegan’s annual meeting on June 9 approved a broad slate of fiscal 2026 appropriations across municipal departments but reserved pointed questions and criticism for the select board’s use of capital reserve funds earlier in the year.

The meeting approved a series of budget articles covering general government, public safety, public works, wastewater, solid waste, parks and capital projects. Most articles were approved by voice vote after the moderator called for hands; several were counted when the margins were close.

Key approved amounts included $2,814,424 for general government (Article 3), $2,748,278 for the police department operating budget (Article 4), $1,618,886 for the fire department (Article 6), $1,283,410 for solid waste and recycling (Article 11) and a package of capital reserve appropriations across departments (Articles 17–31). The meeting also approved Article 48, which allowed the town to use up to $1 million from the undesignated fund balance, including a $150,000 allocation to roads and sidewalks and $850,000 to reduce the tax commitment.

A vocal portion of the meeting focused on Article 49, a warrant item that authorizes the select board to transfer an amount not to exceed 1% of…