Select Board backs Advisory Finance Committee request for approximately 1% reduction in town budget

Select Board members discussed the budget summit outcomes and an Advisory Finance Committee (AFC) request to pursue a 1% reduction in the composite town and school operating budgets (exclusive of debt). Town staff explained the AFC voted to request a 1% reduction excluding debt and excluding impacts from unsettled union contracts; the approximate town share of the reduction was cited at about $295,000 (the two town operating budgets represent roughly 25.75% of the combined town/school operating total).

Board members discussed priorities, the need for clear messaging to voters and the importance of aligning the Select Board with the AFC and School Committee. Members emphasized the need for department‑level recommendations showing where impacts would fall, the timing constraints with unresolved union contracts, and that some staffing or service impacts may be required to meet the reduction. Several members expressed openness to pursuing efficiencies in collaboration with the School Committee and requested clear, visual materials for Town Meeting.

A motion to support the Advisory Finance Committee recommendation that the Select Board pursue reductions on the order of $295,000 (the town’s 1% apportionment) and to request the town manager and department heads assist in producing analysis passed 4–0.

Ending: Staff will prepare analyses and options for reductions and visual materials for Town Meeting to explain tradeoffs and likely impacts on services and positions where applicable.