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Otis Select Board finalizes $7.11 million operating budget, approves $919,338 in free‑cash allocations
Summary
At a joint April 16 meeting, the Town of Otis Select Board and Finance Committee approved a $7,111,341.74 operating budget (a 5.4% increase), set wastewater and EMS budgets, approved $919,337.56 in free cash appropriations, and deferred a sewer extension pending final design.
On April 16, 2026, the Town of Otis Select Board and Finance Committee met in the Select Board Office. Chair Gary Thomas moved to approve prior joint budget minutes and the motion passed 3‑0 after a second from committee member Larry Southard. Committee members and staff reviewed the town’s budget spreadsheet and discussed reductions to limit the tax‑levy impact.
Committee member Brandi Page said she had circulated a master spreadsheet with areas highlighted for review; the group’s stated goal was to reduce operating expenses by roughly $70,000. The board confirmed a 4% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees and agreed on a final operating budget of $7,111,341.74, a 5.4% increase over last year’s operating budget.
The board set the wastewater line at $102,750 (noted in the minutes as 10%) and the emergency medical services budget at $494,700 (7.7%). Members decided to postpone any sewer‑extension work until final design is complete and until there is confirmation that improvements to one or more lots will proceed; the item may be taken up next year or brought to a special town meeting if needed.
Members also agreed to begin funding the town’s other post‑employment benefits (OPEB) liability through an alternate mechanism and to remove that planned funding from the free cash scenario. The board approved free cash appropriations totaling $919,337.56; the minutes do not specify the individual line‑item uses for those appropriations.
Brandi Page was tasked with finalizing the budget documents and preparing the town meeting warrant for the board’s consideration. The meeting adjourned at 12:10 PM.
