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Board of Finance reviews FY 2026–27 budget, targets about $724,000 in cuts
Summary
At a June 1 special meeting, the Board of Finance reviewed the Selectmen’s recommended FY 2026–2027 budget and the May 26 referendum outcome, setting a target to reduce expenditures by approximately $724,000 and discussing savings options including police budget trims, wood‑chipping frequency changes and a small subscription cut.
The Board of Finance met June 1 at Richard H. Smith Town Hall to review the Selectmen’s recommended FY 2026–2027 budget and to consider the results of the May 26 referendum. Chair Tim Puglielli called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. and led discussion of next steps to reduce spending.
Board members reported general agreement on many top-line items in the proposed budget but said several lower-line items remain controversial and require further scrutiny. The Board set a current target to reduce expenditures by approximately $724,000.
Members identified several specific areas for potential savings. The Everbridge emergency notification system subscription was cited as a possible cut, at about $2,500. The Police Department budget was discussed with an approximate target of $51,000 in reductions; Board members also considered potential staffing reductions and discussed allowing department management discretion to determine where within the department any reductions would be made. Town wood-chipping services were raised as another area for savings, with discussion focused on whether reducing the frequency of operations could lower costs.
The meeting record shows the Board reviewed earlier reduction proposals and explored additional opportunities for cost savings. Board members noted that the planned firehouse bond project is expected to incur the majority of its expenditures in the next fiscal year rather than the current year, which informed the timing and scope of recommended adjustments.
The Board heard remarks from members of the public during the audience comment period; the transcript records that public comment occurred but does not specify individual speakers or the content of their remarks. The Board discussed potential next steps following the referendum and continued deliberations to identify how to meet the $724,000 target.
A motion to adjourn was made by Kathryn Russell and seconded by Jackie Calamari; the meeting adjourned at 5:48 p.m. The transcript does not record a roll‑call or vote tally for the adjournment motion.
