Falmouth officials say budget balanced after $2 million in departmental cuts; talks to resume April 27

Town Manager Mike Crenshaw said the town closed “a little over a $2,000,000” gap by removing proposed departmental requests, mostly new personnel, and presented a balanced operating budget just under $184,000,000 that represents about a 5.7% increase from last year.

“Budgets are about difficult choices,” Crenshaw said, explaining the cuts followed forecasting that staff judged made it inappropriate to add positions now. He told viewers the town is limited by a 2.5% property‑tax levy cap, which constrains the degree to which the Select Board and town meeting can increase revenue through property taxes.

Select Board Chair Bob Moskowi praised Crenshaw’s presentation at town meeting and said the board will begin more detailed budget discussions at its April 27 meeting. Moskowi said the board and town staff will need to decide whether to reduce expenses further or seek new revenue sources such as fee increases.

Crenshaw said the town tied operating and capital planning to the Select Board strategic plan and made targeted additions—chiefly public‑safety dispatcher positions—based on workload and a consultant study of the 911 center. He warned that similar pressures are affecting other municipalities and said Falmouth is in a relatively stronger position because of long‑term fiscal choices and a strong bond rating, which lowers borrowing costs.

Next steps: Select Board budget‑strategy sessions will begin April 27, and town staff will prepare options to present to the board and, if needed, return items to a future town meeting.