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Glocester council adopts FY2026–27 budget for May 19 referendum, approves three ballot appropriations
Summary
The Glocester Town Council approved motions to raise line items and voted to present the FY2026–27 budget (total $35,744,211) to voters May 19, 2026, including three separate ballot appropriations for general operations, town‑hall maintenance and paving reserves.
The Glocester Town Council voted May 4 to adopt the fiscal year 2026–2027 budget as amended and to place three ballot questions before voters in a financial town referendum scheduled for May 19, 2026.
Council members first approved line‑item adjustments, including a $4,700 increase to the building/zoning official salary line (raising the total for that line to $79,947) and a $6,000 increase for senior‑center contracted cleaning services to cover a contract renewal with the current vendor. Each motion was seconded and carried amid at least one recorded opposing vote.
At the heart of the meeting, the council moved to adopt the FY2026–27 budget for presentation to the voters. The council summarized the budget total for fiscal year 2026–27 as $35,744,211, describing that number as including municipal services, school operating and capital expenses, and Glocester’s share of regional operating and capital expenses. Council members clarified that the ballot language includes municipal services.
The council also approved three ballot questions to appear on the May 19 referendum: Question 1, the general annual appropriation of $35,744,211; Question 2, a $25,000 appropriation from surplus to a restricted reserve titled “Town Hall Building Future Maintenance”; and Question 3, a $25,000 appropriation from surplus to a restricted reserve titled “Paving.” Councilors noted the two $25,000 appropriations will be funded from surplus and described those as not increasing the tax amount to be raised. During roll calls, at least one member recorded opposition to some items, but the motions were adopted.
Council members framed the referendum decision within the municipality’s 4% levy limit, warning that failure of the referendum would require deeper cuts across town services and school programs. Officials urged voter turnout on May 19, noting the budget was amended in public hearings April 20 and April 27 and again on May 4 prior to adoption.
What happens next: the budget and the three ballot questions will appear on the May 19, 2026 financial town referendum for voter consideration. If approved by voters, the appropriations and line‑item increases will be implemented per the council’s amendments; if defeated, council members said more substantial cuts would be required.
