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Town Manager David Porter presents FY27 budget calling for 6.44% operating increase
Summary
Town Manager David Porter presented a proposed FY27 spending plan showing a 6.44% operating budget increase and a $119,293 rise in capital spending. Personnel costs (3% COLA, 15% health insurance) and election and contract changes were cited as primary drivers; the proposal is available on ClearGov.
Town Manager David Porter presented the Board of Selectmen’s proposed fiscal 2027 budget at the Marlborough Board of Finance meeting on Feb. 23, 2026, saying the operating budget would grow by 6.44% and the capital budget would increase by $119,293.
Porter told the Board of Finance the personnel portion of the budget reflects a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for non-union employees and an expected 15% rise in health insurance; he said that without personnel additions the overall increase would be about 4.52%. He also pointed to staffing adjustments at the senior center, public works and planning as contributors to personnel spending.
The Town Manager said several operating pressures are driving higher projected costs: compensated absences, the phase-out of the RPIP grant, higher electric costs and additional election-related expenses. Porter noted the town expects two primary elections and a general election with early voting, which will require extra expenditure for election operations. He also listed the retirement of the Animal Control Officer and a new police contract covering body cameras and tasers among cost drivers.
On capital projects, the proposal includes construction of a Quinn Road culvert, lining of the Johnson Road culvert, roof maintenance for Public Works and Town Hall, exterior painting of the food bank building, bathroom and kitchen work at Firehouse Two, a compactor replacement at the Transfer Station and a fleet renewal for a Public Works F-450 (or similar) vehicle.
Porter told board members he is working to consolidate budget materials on the town website and to make the proposal easier for residents to review using the ClearGov platform. During questioning, he said the debt service page is available on ClearGov and agreed to provide the finance board with a projected debt schedule and a list of town employees with salary changes.
The budget presentation will continue through the town’s regular budget process and be reviewed by the Board of Selectmen; ClearGov access is being developed so residents can view detailed line items as the process proceeds.
