Town Council presents balanced 2027 budget with 3% pay increase and healthy reserves

Brenda's office presented the town's draft 2027 budget to the council, saying the plan includes a 3% across‑the‑board pay increase for employees and uses conservative revenue assumptions. The draft lists expenses of $1,013,009.28 for the general fund and projects an estimated year‑end balance above $1 million, reflecting planned revenues and a recent one‑time insurance distribution.

The presenter told the council AIM Medical Trust had advised a 9% increase for health insurance next year but staff analysis showed a smaller impact: "it's actually 4.7% increase," she said, and the town will not raise the insurance line further. She also noted the state budgeting portal (Gateway) requires using June 30 figures for the 18‑month cycle and that staff added a July 31 column in the working spreadsheet to make timing clearer. The council agreed to move the budget forward to public notice and a scheduled hearing in October.