Upton reports $2.6 million school assessment gap; override possible

Town Manager Kristen Rubin told the Select Board on March 17 that while town-side FY27 budgets are balanced, school assessments exceed town resources by $2,599,935 and could require a voter override. She said the shortfall includes $142,284 for Blackstone Valley Technical School and $2,457,651 for MURSD and outlined a schedule of department hearings, noting police, fire/EMS/EMD and Department of Public Works hearings were set for the evening and additional hearings for March 24. Rubin told the Board that ballot questions for a school override and a highway debt exclusion must be finalized by April 7.

Why it matters: The mismatch between local revenue and mandated school assessments would require Upton voters to approve additional tax capacity to fund the FY27 school bill, a decision that could affect tax rates, services and the timing of warrant articles at Town Meeting.

Details and context: Rubin reported personnel and operational updates alongside the fiscal briefing: nomination papers close March 20; Assistant Treasurer/Collector Trish Marvell will resign effective March 23; Recreation summer hiring continues; and health insurance premiums are projected to rise 8.35% for health coverage and 0.14% for dental. Rubin also noted a $25,197 state grant awarded to the Police Department for its body-worn camera program, ongoing cable contract renewal discussions, and capital-planning work with the Collins Center. She said the town plans a monthly "Tea with the Town Manager" at the Community Center to increase resident outreach.

What’s next: The Board will consider departmental budget hearings this month and review warrant articles at upcoming sessions on March 24 and March 31. If the Board and Town Meeting cannot cover the assessments within available revenue, the town would present an override question to voters. The Board did not take a binding vote on an override at this meeting.