Patagonia council adopts FY2027 budget after manager cites $511,000 sales‑tax shortfall

The Town Council of Patagonia on June 10, 2026, unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-08, approving the town's Fiscal Year 2027 budget after Town Manager Robinson reported an estimated $511,000 shortfall in local sales-tax receipts.

The vote was 5-0. Mayor Andrea Wood presided and Council Member Claverie moved to adopt the resolution; Council Member Retherford seconded. The budget adoption follows a budget study session held May 6, 2026, and the manager said the version presented contained no changes from that session.

Council Member Finch, speaking as treasurer of the Friends of the Library, told the council the group increased its support by $5,000 and will issue that funding at the start of the fiscal year to help offset library operational costs. During the public hearing, Michael Collins raised concerns that grant monies were being used to fund operational expenses and warned that the Early Actions Agreement with South32 would add maintenance costs for new buildings.

Robert Gay asked where the town's reserve funds were invested. Town Manager Robinson answered that approximately $2.4 million in reserves are placed in the Local Government Investment Pool through the State Treasurer's Office and that State Street Bank (Boston) is the bank investing the funds; Mayor Wood suggested Gay contact the State Treasurer's Office for further details.

The council recessed into the public hearing for the budget, heard the public comments and reconvened into regular session before adopting the resolution. No amendments to the budget were recorded at the meeting. The council proceeded to other agenda business and adjourned at 6:22 p.m.