Finance Committee reviews FY27 budget with $2M shortfall
The Finance Committee reviews FY27 budget with $2 million free cash allocation to avert service cuts. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen presented a $152.5 million budget built on a $100.4 million tax levy and $35 million state aid, proposing free cash withdrawals to close a structural deficit
Finance Committee · Meeting of April 6, 2026
FRANKLIN — The Finance Committee reviews FY27 budget with $2 million free cash allocation to avert service cuts. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen presented a $152.5 million budget built on a $100.4 million tax levy and $35 million state aid, proposing free cash withdrawals to close a structural deficit following two failed overrides. The Library sits only $20,000 above required funding thresholds, facing state-aid penalties if cut further.
Facilities costs spike with electricity up 37-40 percent and natural gas doubled since FY18, while Davis-Thayer School costs $200,000 annually. Hellen warned that significant service cuts to police, fire, schools, or public works could result in losing the third ambulance and school resource officers.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 268 words
Source: the Finance Committee meeting of April 6, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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