Marlborough council refers $222.9 million FY2027 operating budget to finance committee, sets May 18 public hearing

The Marlborough City Council on May 4 unanimously referred the mayor's proposed fiscal year 2027 operating budget of $222,882,585 to the finance committee and set a public hearing for May 18, 2026 at 8:00 p.m.

Councilor Irish moved to refer the budget to the finance committee and to set the hearing; the motion carried by a 9-0 vote. The clerk said the proposed FY2027 appropriation represents a 4.24% increase over the FY2026 appropriation and that the full budget document is available in the city clerk's office and on the city website.

Councilor Irish also announced scheduled finance committee meetings to review the operational budget on May 11, May 12 and May 13 at 6:30 p.m. in advance of the May 18 hearing. The meetings are intended to give councilors time to question staff and review departmental proposals before the public hearing.

The referral does not adopt any budgetary changes; it sends the mayor's proposal to committee review and public comment. The finance committee's recommendations and any amendments will be considered at subsequent council meetings. A public hearing on the budget will allow residents to comment before the council considers final action.