Eastham voters approve $47.1M operating budget, fund three‑year union raises; override to appear on May 19 ballot

Moderator Scott Kerry opened the meeting and introduced the warrant items before a full house at Naset High School on May 4.

The select board presented Article 2A, a $47.1 million operating budget for fiscal 2027 that officials said is a "level services" proposal designed to maintain current services rather than add staff. The motion included contingent language tied to a Proposition 2½ override that will appear on the ballot May 19.

Town staff and board members pointed to a handful of concrete drivers behind the increase: long‑term debt service tied to major water and wastewater projects, rising health‑insurance and pension costs, transfer‑station hauling fees and higher special‑education placements for a small number of students requiring out‑of‑district residential services. Resident Bill Munger pressed officials, saying, "Why are we going to approve a 20% increase over this five‑year period when inflation has not gone up as much?" Town staff replied that multi‑year capital borrowing and unusually large special‑education tuition and transportation costs explain much of the gap.

Assistant town finance director Rich Benu summarized the budget tradeoffs at several points: "An override is necessary when costs are going up more than 2½%. Our revenue can only grow at 2½%" under state law. He and other officials said the package funds three‑year collective‑bargaining agreements for police, fire and other unions so the town can remain competitive and avoid returning for another override immediately.

After extended public comment and a successful motion to "call the question," town meeting voted to approve Article 2A (the operating budget) by a recorded tally of 437‑106. The related Article 2B — funding collective bargaining increases — passed 480‑62. Officials emphasized the contracts are three‑year deals meant to stabilize staffing and recruitment in a region with high cost of living.

Select board members and residents stressed the consequences of a failed override: the warrant and finance analysis list a range of potential cuts and contingency steps, including reduced municipal services, staffing reductions, curtailed library and Council on Aging programs, delayed capital projects and a special meeting to adopt a contingent budget. The moderator noted that residents would also vote separately on related service‑enhancement items (Council on Aging staff, recreation staff, online permitting buildout and expanded preschool tuition support) that would add small, specified amounts to the average tax bill if approved by voters.

Before the meeting recessed late that night, town administrator Jackie BBE warned voters that the meeting must be finished or continued: "We must finish the meeting or none of the votes that you've taken all night long will count." Officials said they were arranging a continuation date to resume business and finalize remaining articles.

What happens next: The Proposition 2½ override and related ballot questions will be decided by Eastham voters on May 19. If the override fails, the select board and finance committee said they will be required to prepare a contingent budget reflecting reduced services.