Select Board readies FY27 operating budget and special town meeting presentations amid police staffing debate

The Select Board spent substantial time reviewing the FY27 operating budget, advisory committee recommendations, and preparations for a special town meeting that will take up school-building feasibility articles and a roof-replacement warrant article.

Advisory voted to support the operating budget but identified a remaining shortfall; board members said final school numbers and the results of a March special town meeting will affect the town’s free cash and capital options. Several members urged steps to reduce the projected year-over-year tax increase; one proposed a temporary hiring freeze while others suggested targeted cuts or deferring capital projects.

Police staffing emerged as a central budget issue. Chief Newell explained the department’s staffing challenges, the results of a 25,000-staffing study that recommended additional officers, and operational pressures following recent storms and mutual-aid demands. The chief said understaffing affects patrol coverage, investigations and the ability to sustain a full-time school resource officer, and argued the two officers approved by prior town meeting should be filled to preserve service levels. Board members acknowledged public safety concerns but also pressed for alternative ways to reduce the budget impact if the hires remain.

Separately, staff reviewed logistics and communications for the upcoming special town meeting at Algonquin: check-in procedures, overflow rooms and seating (auditorium, cafeteria, gymnasium), color-coded clickers, childcare arrangements, and volunteer assignments to manage large attendance. The board discussed an opening 12-minute presentation that explains Articles 1–4 as feasibility studies, clarifies budget impacts and the use of free cash, and assigns presenters from the select board and school officials to speak to each article. Mark Robidoux and Greg Martineau were listed as speakers for school-building items; the board emphasized delivering a concise, unified message and preparing answers to frequently anticipated questions (e.g., 30% threshold, bid vs. estimate distinctions).

The board appointed liaisons to move forward work on several items penciled for the annual town meeting (including cemetery bylaw language and capital planning) and asked staff to compile potential state-budget earmark requests under $50,000 for tricentennial events and other small capital priorities.