Templeton approves FY2027 budget after heated override debate; residents urged to decide on ballot overrides

The Town of Templeton voted to approve its FY2027 general fund appropriation at the annual town meeting on May 13, following extended debate over two proposed Proposition 2½ override questions to appear on the May 18 ballot.

Supporters argued the override is intended to stabilize town operations and avoid cuts to police, highway and Parks & Recreation. “If we don’t get at least a $2,000,000 override, our town is going to be faced with some really severe cuts,” said John Thomas, a resident who urged approval of an override to preserve services. Select board members said the request was designed to cover near-term deficits and build levy capacity for the next several years.

Opponents cautioned about the effect on taxpayers, particularly seniors on fixed incomes. “I can’t afford more,” said Beverly Bartolomeo, who told the meeting she lives on Social Security and would be harmed by higher property taxes.

Town officials described the fiscal choices that led to the ballot questions. The select board and Town Administrator James Rhein explained the town is balancing limited free cash and rising costs: Rhein told the meeting that only about $83,000 in free cash remained after prior appropriations and that adding sizable transfers would require cuts elsewhere.

The meeting discussed alternatives such as spending restraint, one‑time federal funds and searching for new revenue sources, but residents and board members repeatedly returned to the same question: whether voters should authorize a permanent increase in the levy limit now to prevent more severe cuts in the near future.

After debate and multiple procedural motions, the main FY2027 general fund article passed (Article 27). The meeting also recorded votes on several related articles and budget line items that would be impacted by the override outcome. Ballot questions 1A and 1B — asking voters to authorize an override of $2,000,000 or $4,000,000 — will be decided at the town election on May 18 between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.