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Selectboard adopts lower FY27 tax need, approves $1,585,958 figure after debate
Summary
After line-by-line review of a revised FY27 General Fund budget and public comment urging a level-funded option, the Weathersfield Selectboard voted 4–1 to accept the Town Manager's recommendation to reduce the tax need to $1,585,958.
The Weathersfield Selectboard voted 4–1 on June 4 to accept the Town Manager's recommendation to reduce the FY27 tax need to $1,585,958, after a lengthy review of the revised General Fund budget and public comment about options to limit tax increases.
"To accept the recommendation from the Town Manager to reduce the tax need to $1,585,958," was the motion made by Mrs. Bearse and seconded by Mr. Bublat; the clerk recorded the vote as 4 Aye, 1 Naye. Town Manager Brandon Gulnick had presented a revised budget showing an estimated 1.67% increase and walked the board through line items where savings or adjustments were possible.
Residents and Selectboard members discussed alternatives, including a zero-increase, level-funded budget. "One alternative is to have a level-funded budget," said Dr. August Murray, speaking as a resident. Gulnick said he believed he could make a level-funded budget work without cutting essential services but highlighted long-term tradeoffs and the additional cost of any re-vote, including potential interest on short-term borrowing.
The board discussed specific offsets, such as fee adjustments and small line-item changes, and noted the FY26-to-FY27 difference of $22,654. Gulnick also said the Town had negotiated the Golden Cross contract with no increase for the coming year. The vote concludes the special meeting's formal action on the General Fund; the Selectboard set a Special Town Informational Meeting location and adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
