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Winchester sets FY27 mill rate at 30 mills amid heated debate over education cuts
Summary
After a contentious referendum season, Winchester selectmen set the fiscal 2026–27 mill rate at 30.00 mills. Public commenters and several selectmen raised concerns that education reductions and preschool funding cuts harmed local families; selectmen and town staff said some cuts were partially restored by other sources and urged continued public engagement.
The Winchester Board of Selectmen voted unanimously June 1 to set the fiscal year 2026–27 mill rate at 30.00 mills, enabling the tax collector to issue bills on schedule. The vote followed a broad discussion at the meeting and extended public comment focused on the recently approved municipal budget and its effects on education funding.
Several residents used the citizens’ comment period to press the board about reductions to the education budget. A parent, who identified herself as Caitlyn, told the board that preschool lottery placements were lost after the board reduced the education appropriation and said families that previously relied on a free program now face tuition costs. Another commenter described frustration that private conversations with selectmen appeared to carry more weight than public testimony.
Board members acknowledged the emotional response to budget cuts and described steps that limited the impact. One selectman said the board reduced a proposed increase by $1 million and that later adjustments — including a $300,000 reduction from Gilbert School and approximately $320,000 in state assistance — restored part of the funding; the board also noted the board of education maintains a rainy day fund from which it could draw if necessary. Several selectmen and the school superintendent urged residents to engage earlier in the budget process and to attend meetings rather than relying solely on social media.
Town Manager Paul Harrington summarized post‑referendum actions: the voter‑approved appropriation will be implemented July 1 and the board set the mill rate at 30 mills for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Harrington also noted remaining enterprise budgets for water and sewer still require board attention and that the town will continue pursuing state and federal grants to reduce local tax burdens.
No formal reversals to the budget were made at the meeting. Multiple selectmen and residents asked for clearer communication between the town, Winchester Public Schools and Gilbert School, urging more joint planning to reduce friction and improve outcomes for students.
The board encouraged residents to participate in budget hearings and commission meetings and to make their priorities known earlier in the process.
