Chester boards review proposed 2026–27 operating budget in line-by-line session

First Selectwoman Lignar and Chairman Chillock convened a joint meeting of the Town of Chester Boards of Selectmen and Finance on Jan. 27, 2026, at Chester Town Hall and via Teams to receive the proposed 2026–27 operating budget and review it line by line. The meeting opened at 6:30 p.m. for the Board of Selectmen and 6:31 p.m. for the Board of Finance.

Board members from both bodies examined the budget document that was distributed at the meeting and discussed its line items in detail. Attendees listed in the minutes include First Selectwoman Lignar, Selectwoman Bandzes, Selectman Radicchi, and Board of Finance members Chairman Chillock, John O’Hare, Phil Reynolds, Deb Vilcheck, Justin Kronholm, John Connelly, Roger Labrecque and Bria Gilbert. An audience member, Susan Wright, participated via Teams.

The minutes record that the proposed 2026–27 Operating Budget was "distributed and discussed by the Boards, line by line." The record does not include motions to adopt or amend the budget, nor does it list any vote on budget items during this meeting.

There were no comments during the audience-of-citizens period, according to the minutes. The joint meeting was adjourned "on a motion made and duly seconded" and was reported as unanimously adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

The minutes were prepared and submitted by Suzanne Helchowski, Clerk. No authorities, ordinances, or statutes are referenced in the minutes provided. The transcript does not identify any next steps, votes, or deadlines related to the budget; those items were not specified in this record.