Selectmen review new budget packet, ask for near‑year‑end spending detail as school requests outpace revenue

Town staff delivered a budget packet that includes prior‑year expenditures, 2025 year‑to‑date snapshots and initial requests for fiscal 2026. The presenter told the board the packet mirrors last year’s format but adds more revenue backup and a year‑to‑date expenditure view to help the board evaluate requests.

Several selectmen said they want additional near‑year‑end detail — specifically spending during the final two months of a fiscal year (May and June) — to see whether some line items spike late and to better evaluate potential reallocations. "Is it possible to get the data around what was spent in, like, the last 2 months before the fiscal year ended?" one member asked, noting that some contracts and bills post late in a fiscal year.

Board members flagged that preliminary school budget increases appeared to be roughly three times the town’s projected revenue growth and said the schools’ final numbers will be key to setting the town’s warrant articles. Members discussed options including targeting one‑time revenue from surplus property sales or free cash for capital projects and scrutinizing small operating budgets for possible savings to reallocate to higher priorities such as public safety.

The board agreed to continue coordination with the school committee ahead of the joint meeting scheduled for the 18th and to consider a June town meeting timeline that may allow the town to see state budget actions. Staff advised that certain departmental budgets remain incomplete and that further detail will be provided as departments finalize their submissions.

Selectmen emphasized they do not want last‑minute surprises and asked staff to provide clearer notes and timing on when specific revenues and invoices post so the board can avoid cutting items that are customarily paid near year‑end.