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Town approves $42.3M municipal operating budget for FY27, funds police, fire, and public works
Summary
Town Meeting approved a $42,322,565 FY27 municipal operating budget, a 3% increase, with most spending directed to public safety and public works; the Finance Committee recommended approval while urging cost-reduction priorities for the Select Board.
Town Meeting approved Article 4, the municipal operating budget for fiscal 2027 totaling $42,322,565.
Miss Nicholl presented the budget package, explaining the budgeting process (department requests, town manager adjustments, Select Board guidance, and joint budget workshops). The recommended budget represents a roughly 3 percent increase over last year and directs about three-quarters of municipal operating funds to public safety (police and fire), public works, debt service and benefits; the remainder covers IT, facilities, library, health and human services, planning and land use, and other municipal functions.
Miss Nicholl and presenters noted the town received nearly $5 million in grant awards this year and about $24 million in earmarks or grants over the past seven years; about 11 percent of FTEs are grant-funded. Finance Committee reiterated concerns about high tax burdens and recommended the article while emphasizing the need for careful measurement of the single-family tax metric.
The motion was approved by clicker vote. With the budget approved, related capital items and appropriations were subsequently considered under Article 5 and transfers in Article 12.
