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Oak Bluffs Finance Committee readies April 11 public forum on FY27 budget and override
Summary
The Finance and Advisory Committee finalized outreach plans for an April 11 public forum on the FY27 budget and a potential override, testing a flyer and QR code, planning newspaper and radio outreach, and preparing benchmarking materials comparing Island towns’ tax and budget growth.
Chair Bob Malecki said the Finance and Advisory Committee prepared materials and outreach plans for a public forum on the FY27 budget and potential override, scheduled for Saturday, April 11, with a separate Committee meeting April 9 to finalize details.
The committee evaluated a draft public forum introduction distributed April 1 and tested a flyer and QR code. Wendy Brough offered to develop website language highlighting the value of professional municipal services; the Committee agreed to distribute materials via email networks and place advertisements in local newspapers, and Mr. Malecki proposed posting additional materials on the town website and including informational packets at the forum.
The Committee reviewed FY27 benchmarking charts comparing budget growth among Island towns and data on average single-family tax bills and local receipts provided by the Division of Local Services. Members discussed revenue-planning options but agreed with Town staff that any new revenue concepts need prior coordination with Town Administration to allow proper evaluation.
Ms. Potter summarized other outreach logistics: planners expect to use a clicker system for both warrant articles and budget items and to prepare for the possibility of a two-day Annual Town Meeting. The Committee also discussed whether to include staffing needs and current open positions in the outreach materials to explain budget requests.
The committee plans to publish the forum materials online and in local outlets and to circulate revised drafts for review at its next Thursday meeting.
