Town Meeting approved the Fiscal Year 2027 General Fund Operating Budget, totaling $308,738,502, following a series of failed attempts to implement across-the-board cuts. The meeting was marked by a somber State of the Town address from Select Board Chair David Golden, who warned that the era of revenue growth from major developments like Pine Hills and Redbrook is ending, creating a projected fiscal cliff.

Member Wrestling Brewster led the push for fiscal restraint, moving for reductions in multiple subcommittees, including a 1% cut to general government and a $1.5 million cut to the school department. Brewster argued that the solution to our budgeting crisis cannot be raising taxes on our overburdened taxpayers. These amendments were defeated as department heads warned of service impacts. Police Chief Dana Flynn stated that cutting any money from my overtime budget would be detrimental to the services that the town's people deserve and demand.

School Committee Chair Luis Pizano defended the $133 million school request as a maintenance budget with no new staff. He warned that Brewster's proposed $1.5 million reduction would necessitate significant staff cuts and larger class sizes. All main budget motions eventually passed, maintaining current service levels for the upcoming fiscal year.

Motion: To raise and appropriate the various budget sections.

Vote: All main budget motions passed.