Ware selectmen present $9.64 million operating budget, finance panel narrowly backs proposal

The Town of Ware opened its first session of the 2026 annual meeting with debate over Article 10, the proposed operating budget. Moderator read the article and Selectman Dearborn outlined pressures that drove the $9,638,402 proposal, citing rising property and liability insurance, vehicle maintenance on an aging fleet, higher software costs and added ‘on‑call’ bonuses to retain plow operators. “We need $280,000 just to stay alive and operate,” Selectman Dearborn said in presenting mandatory obligations and line‑item increases.

Tom Flaherty, chair of the finance committee, told the meeting the committee recommended approval by an 8–2 vote, describing the proposal as a 4.2% increase over the default and a 7% increase over the 2025 operating budget. The finance committee’s minority argued a 7% increase was excessive and noted an anticipated fuel‑cost surplus in the default budget that could offset part of the gap.

Members of the public and selectmen debated specifics including plowing bonuses, deferred vehicle repairs and the town’s limited flexibility on insurance and other mandated costs. After discussion, an on‑floor motion moved the article to the warrant as read and the assembly voted to restrict reconsideration of the article for this session. The item will appear on the official ballot and be decided by voters at the second session on March 10.