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Richmond council adopts $31.46 million FY26–27 budget and approves ballot question for referendum
Summary
After a public hearing and council discussion about raises, electricity and fund balance levels, the Richmond Town Council adopted the FY2026–27 municipal budget totaling $31,459,952 (including education) and approved the ballot question language that will go to voters.
The Richmond Town Council voted to adopt the town’s proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget, recording a budget figure of $31,459,952 for the combined municipal and education request. The council also approved a simple “yes” ballot question to put the budget to the electorate.
Town Administrator (read at the hearing) said there were “few adjustments” from the last public hearing, noting a $5,200 reduction tied to lowering a planned 3% staff raise to 2.5% and updated meter readings for the police station that are not expected to move the mill rate materially. The administration warned that summer usage and an El Niño summer could still push electricity costs higher.
Councilors spent most of the hearing probing line items and the town’s fund balance. One councilor summarized the finance presentation, saying the town must remain above a 15% minimum fund balance and describing two uses for reserves: one‑time expenses and cash flow. Council discussion also touched on DPW overtime increases tied to staffing changes and maintenance spending for shared facilities such as the senior center.
Several residents spoke during the public comment portion. Bob Cardoza asked what happens if the referendum fails; the council clarified that, under the charter, a failed municipal referendum would return the town to level funding of the prior year for municipal services, and school funding would not be affected. Ellen Gee urged the council to explore options for addressing out‑of‑district school placements to help long‑term cost control.
With no further amendments at the meeting, the council moved and adopted the budget and approved the ballot language to appear on the referendum. The council set the motion reference for the full figure and closed the public hearing prior to roll‑call votes.
