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Eliot budget outlines $2.7 million plan for Hammond Park pavilion; referendum set for Annual Town Meeting
Summary
Town officials described a planned Hammond Park pavilion funded by $1.2 million in reserves and a $1.5 million, 15-year bond; the Select Board and Budget Committee presented the FY2027 budget and recommended affirmative votes in the upcoming Annual Town Meeting referendum.
The Eliot Select Board and Budget Committee on May 28 laid out the town's proposed fiscal 2027 budget and described a funding plan for a new Hammond Park pavilion that would rely on $1.2 million from reserves and a $1.5 million bond over 15 years.
Town Manager Michael Sullivan told the meeting the FY2027 revenue projection is about $22 million, with roughly 75% expected from property taxes based on an assessed value of $1.56 billion and a mil rate of 11.25. He said town operations account for about 40% of expenses and the operations budget is planned to rise by 1.6%.
Budget Committee Chair Gene Wypyski said the Budget Committee recommended affirmative votes on all budget-related articles, including a Charter amendment that would broaden the committee's advisory role on strategic financial priorities beyond annual budgeting. Wypyski framed the pavilion funding as an investment that the committee supports.
Resident Adina Hunter urged the board to ensure a durable maintenance plan for Hammond Park, citing past neglect at Murray-Rowe and Frost-Tufts parks. Town Manager Michael Sullivan responded that the town has accelerated renovation schedules, plans for ongoing maintenance through the Department of Public Works or private contracts after cost-benefit analysis, and has incorporated low-maintenance design elements and shared parking plans using school and town hall lots to limit event congestion.
Town staff estimated the pavilion funding plan would have a minimal tax impact, about $3 per month per property owner, and said rising assessed values should reduce that burden over time. The Select Board recorded this summary as part of the public hearing and voter information for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting referendum.
The Budget Committee and Select Board presented the budget to the public; the referendum will decide the proposed appropriations and the Charter amendment. The board encouraged residents to review materials posted on the town website ahead of the vote.
