Town manager reports net grand‑list growth, near $10M rise in exemptions and a $635,000 congressional earmark for sewer expansion

Town Manager Paul Harrington told the Board of Selectmen that Winchester’s 2025 grand list shows overall growth but a notable increase in exemptions.

Harrington said the 2025 grand list will be used for the fiscal 2027 budget and that while the grand list’s gross value rose by roughly $6.1 million, exemptions increased by just under $10 million compared with the prior year. He identified drivers of the exemptions increase as: full exemptions for 100% disabled veterans, added exemptions for commercial vehicles and personal property increases tied to manufacturing investment and solar equipment now classified as 100% exempt personal property. Harrington said the net change translates roughly to $180,000–$190,000 in additional revenue at the current mill rate, while emphasizing the budget remains a work in progress.

Separately, Harrington announced the town was awarded a $635,000 congressional direct‑spending earmark (credited to Senators Blumenthal and Murphy) for the southern sewer network expansion to extend sewer mains to the Department of Public Works facility. He said a formal application is still required but described the funding as essentially committed by federal action.

The manager also reported operational updates: the town towed approximately 30 cars during the parking ban and issued roughly 100 infractions; he thanked town crews and emergency management for storm response; and he said Downs Construction has been engaged for pre‑K addition design work with an estimated fee of about $13,000 (the board had earlier allocated up to $40,000).