FY2027 Budget Approvals
Dozens of departmental appropriations, enterprise funds, free-cash transfers and school funding decisions affect all residents via services and taxes.
The proposed $94,877,714 FY27 school operating budget created conflict between fiscal sustainability and educational needs; the School Committee approved it over the Mayor's objection and the Town Council later passed the full FY2027 budgets unanimously.
The FY27 School Operating Budget issue arose at the March 26, 2026 School Committee meeting when members considered a proposed operating budget of $94,877,714 along with supplemental scenarios.
A heated debate occurred in which the Mayor argued the budget was irresponsible given current revenue while committee members argued that anything less than this amount would result in service degradation rather than progress; the committee then voted to accept the budget.
The Mayor presented the broader FY2027 municipal budget to the Town Council on April 21, 2026, noting 4.1 percent growth and addressing school funding questions including the use of one-time ESSER/ARPA funds for recurring expenses.
On June 15, 2026 the Town Council Budget Management Committee reported dozens of FY2027 budget measures that encompassed school appropriations; after committee review all measures passed unanimously.
The School Committee largely supported the budget to maintain educational services despite fiscal warnings from the Mayor, while the Mayor maintained opposition on revenue grounds; the Town Council ultimately approved the full set of FY2027 budgets.
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