Advisory committee hears 'worst-case' budget outlook as school committee cites multimillion-dollar shortfall

The Templeton Advisory Committee spent the bulk of its Feb. 26 meeting discussing the FY27 budget outlook after a preliminary presentation by the Narragansett Regional School District, officials said.

A committee member reported that the district indicated a roughly $2,000,000 gap when presenting preliminary budget needs and options. Members and the chair described a ‘‘worst-case’’ illustrative calculation offered at the multi-board meeting: speakers said that scenario could raise the town’s tax rate to about $11.87 (presented as an illustrative, worst-case figure) and increase the average tax bill on an average assessed home ($378,285, as cited) to approximately $4,490.24. Committee members repeatedly emphasized the calculation was illustrative, contained many caveats, and would be unlikely to be approved without significant change.

"That is the worst case scenario," a committee member said, noting the figures included many ‘‘ifs, ands, ors, and buts’’ and that the committee should treat the numbers as informational rather than definitive. The committee urged residents to review the draft budget materials and attend upcoming meetings, including a budget review Saturday, March 7, and a multi-board school budget meeting March 9.

Members pressed for conservative budgeting, more visible line-item reporting, and for department heads to look for grant funding. Several speakers said they doubted voters would approve an override and urged the town to prioritize core services and seek grant opportunities. One member suggested more active public outreach to educate new residents about Town meeting and participation options.

The committee did not take formal votes on the budget at this meeting but asked staff and the Town Administrator to provide more detailed numbers and to circulate the legal and budget packets before the March meetings.