Board debates timing and size of a possible budget override as town faces a projected shortfall

Joe presented a budget summary that includes the Senate version of the cherry sheet and cautioned that conference committee outcomes and the final cherry sheet (usually issued in July) will change revenue projections. In one calculation discussed during the meeting the town’s excess capacity showed a negative figure (about $184,924), and members discussed how to respond if the town’s budget remains unbalanced after annual town meeting.

Select Board members debated whether to pursue a contingent override or a general override, the timing of any special election, and the practicalities of public education. One member argued for more lead time to educate voters and suggested setting an override amount larger than the immediate shortfall to provide multi-year flexibility; others worried about the consequences of delaying an override vote and the resulting need for school staffing decisions if funds are not secured before the school year begins. The board discussed using stabilization funds as a stopgap if a later override fails but acknowledged that dipping into reserves is not ideal.

Members agreed to wait for final cherry-sheet numbers and recommended returning to the topic after annual town meeting with a clearer revenue picture. The board discussed aiming to post an override question later in the summer so voters have time to review materials; no formal decision on an override amount or date was made at this meeting.

Next steps: staff to provide updated revenue and cherry-sheet information when available; board to plan voter outreach and draft override language once a figure is set.