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Town council tentatively approves parts of the 2026–27 budget, leaves major capital debates unresolved
Summary
Town of Farmington council and the Board of Education advanced tentative approvals for several sections of the 2026–27 budget after a multi-hour joint review; members deferred final decisions on major capital projects — most notably a proposed town‑hall annex — and scheduled continued work for the next meeting.
Town of Farmington councilors and school officials moved tentative approvals for several sections of the 2026–27 operating budget on March 11, while reserving further votes and discussion on major capital projects.
The council voted to tentatively approve the general-administration pages (1–27) with exceptions for two items (registrars and the library), and separately moved tentative approval for the employee benefits section and the debt-service schedule. Council members said the votes were intended to keep the budget review on schedule while permitting more time to resolve outstanding questions.
Council discussion centered on the scale and timing of capital asks. Several members said they supported advancing the high‑school HVAC and road projects as priorities but were concerned about adding a $7 million town‑hall annex question to a slate that already includes the school HVAC request and other large items. "We're taking on a lot of responsibility," Councilor Bruce said, noting the town faces multiple near‑term capital needs. Others urged a phased approach that would start with systems work (such as HVAC) and defer full renovations until designs and cost estimates are firmer.
Members also debated non‑lapsing reserves and enrollment projections. BOE presenters reminded the council that the district used retention ratios and push‑up numbers for forecasts and said the board is monitoring enrollment closely before hiring decisions: "We have to be extremely granular in describing how we got there," Tim Kelly told the council during public comment, urging accountability for student‑count assumptions.
The council scheduled continuation of budget deliberations for the next day, with planned review of public safety, public works, recreation, special‑revenue funds and projected revenues. Town finance staff said any revisions to the bond/package language would require rewording the referendum warning, which must be completed in advance of final public notice.
What happens next: the council will reconvene to finish department reviews and consider final appropriations; any bond questions would be placed on a future ballot only after staff finalize costs and reimbursement estimates.
