2026-2027 Default Budget Service Reductions
Significant cuts across Police, Fire, DPW, and Library departments are required by law after the initial budget proposal failed, directly affecting town services and taxpayers.
After the initial budget proposal failed, state law required a default budget that imposed an $854,000 reduction, leading the Town Administrator to present department-wide service cuts on 2026-05-27. The Council recognized the legal mandate yet voiced concern about effects on services and taxpayers, deferring a final decision until department heads provide additional input.
The 2026-2027 default budget service reductions arose after the town's initial budget proposal was rejected, triggering a statutory requirement to implement a default budget that mandates an $854,000 reduction.
On 2026-05-27 the Town Administrator presented the recommended default budget to the Town Council, detailing cuts across Police, Fire, and DPW along with library hour reductions, suspension of support for agencies such as the Historical Society and Old Home Day, and no updates to impact fees or fireworks.
The presentation noted specific savings including $13,571 from the administration department and confirmed the proposal satisfies the legal default-budget mandate.
Council discussion centered on the resulting service impacts to residents and taxpayers while also exploring whether additional efficiencies could be identified.
The Council acknowledged the legal necessity of the cuts but expressed concern over effects on community services, with department heads scheduled to return for further questions.
No final vote was taken; the matter remains open pending additional meetings targeted for a decision by the second meeting in June.
Department heads will attend future meetings to answer specific questions as the council works toward a final decision, ideally by the second meeting in June.
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