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Selectmen form budget committee and ask departments to 'flat-line' 2027 budgets
Summary
The Selectmen formed a 2027 budget committee and Chair Joanne Haight urged department budgets be 'flat-lined' to limit taxpayer pressure; Administrator Delaney warned flat-lining may require cuts due to inflation-driven costs outside town control.
The Sandwich Selectmen on July 27 appointed members to a 2027 budget committee and signaled fiscal restraint for next year’s operating plans.
Administrator Courtney Delaney presented year-to-date financials and a list of trends and priorities for 2027. The board appointed a committee that will include Mike Babcock, Mike Henriques, Derek Meredith, Roger Plimmer and Jeff Cole; members discussed the committee’s role as ensuring a fair process rather than setting policy. Selectboard Chair Joanne Haight asked department heads to 'flat-line' budgets to limit taxpayer pressure; Delaney cautioned that flat-lining will likely require cuts in areas affected by inflation and items outside the town’s control.
Members discussed presentation formats for department heads—Delaney would present financials while department heads focus on year-to-date themes, future outlooks and specific requests. Roger Plimmer noted department heads are being asked to serve as both strategic planners and operational managers and asked what supports exist when departments lack capacity for strategic planning. The Board agreed budget deliberations and the role of the committee will continue to be discussed as the process advances.
