Board forwards FY27 budget amid school's $4.1M shortfall
Bellingham Selectboard unanimously forwards FY27 budget amid school's $4.1M shortfall. Town Administrator Joseph Laydon reported a $1.6M health insurance deficit split 30-70 between town and schools. School officials said the $4.1M shortfall requires $1.5M in operating cuts affecting 36 staff
Selectboard · Meeting of March 2, 2026
Bellingham Selectboard unanimously forwards FY27 budget amid school's $4.1M shortfall. Town Administrator Joseph Laydon reported a $1.6M health insurance deficit split 30-70 between town and schools. School officials said the $4.1M shortfall requires $1.5M in operating cuts affecting 36 staff positions, driven by rising transportation and special education costs and Chapter 70 funding constraints.
The Board voted 5-0 to forward the budget to Finance Committee. Board members determined voters should decide on a tax override to address the deficits.
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Source: the Selectboard meeting of March 2, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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