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Otis board finalizes $7.11 million operating budget, approves $919,337 in free-cash allocations
Summary
At its April 16 meeting the Town of Otis Select Board/Finance Committee agreed to a $7,111,341.74 operating budget (a 5.4% increase), approved a 4% employee COLA, set wastewater and EMS line items, delayed a sewer extension pending final design, and approved $919,337.56 in free-cash appropriations.
The Town of Otis Select Board and Finance Committee met in person on April 16 and agreed on an operating budget of $7,111,341.74 for the coming year, a figure the minutes record as a 5.4% increase over last year. The board recorded approval of a 4% employee cost-of-living adjustment and finalized line items for wastewater and emergency medical services at $102,750 and $494,700 respectively.
Brandi Page, who circulated a master spreadsheet with highlighted areas for review, led the budget discussion and will finalize the budget documents and the town meeting warrant. The minutes state the working goal was to reduce the operating budget increase by about $70,000; after adjustments the board agreed on the operating total recorded in the minutes.
On capital projects members agreed to postpone action on a proposed sewer extension until final design is complete and there is confirmation that improvements to one or more lots will proceed. The minutes note that delaying the extension could align the project with next year’s schedule or require a special town meeting if earlier action is needed.
The board decided to begin funding its other post-employment benefits (OPEB) liability through an alternative approach and remove that contribution from the free-cash appropriations scenario. Free-cash appropriations were approved in the total amount of $919,337.56.
Separately, the board reviewed and approved prior joint budget minutes from Feb. 24, Mar. 6, Mar. 10, Mar. 24 and Mar. 27, 2026; Chair Gary Thomas moved to approve the minutes, Larry Southard seconded and the motion passed 3-0. The meeting was called to order at 10:33 a.m. and adjourned at 12:10 p.m.
Next steps recorded in the minutes include finalization of budget documents and preparation of the town meeting warrant by staff; the minutes do not record additional votes or vote tallies for the operating budget, OPEB funding method, wastewater, EMS or free-cash appropriations beyond the items noted above.
