Residents largely back proposed budget but warn against repeated capital deferrals; referendum set for May 13

Multiple residents addressed the Board of Finance during the public comment period, with several speakers expressing support for the proposed budget while acknowledging personal strain from rising insurance costs. Emily Butler said the proposal felt "very conservative for an uncertain and destabilizing time" and asked officials to avoid further deferring capital maintenance because deferred work often becomes more costly later.

Other commenters emphasized community assets: library leaders highlighted heavy usage and digital license pressures; the Avon Volunteer Fire Department described volunteer shortages and equipment costs; longtime resident Jim Tosti criticized rising staffing levels and benefit structures. Chair Lowry answered questions about legal obligations for an individual catastrophic claim—"According to our administrator we are legally obliged to pay for the case"—and repeated the schedule for further budget deliberations and the May 13 referendum.