Selectboard confronts $959,432 budget deficit
Bellingham faces $959,432 budget deficit with potential school staff cuts. Town Administrator Joseph Laydon reported the fiscal 2027 shortfall to the Selectboard, citing contractual increases, rising health care costs, and state aid constraints; health insurance has been supplemented from free
Selectboard · Meeting of February 2, 2026
Bellingham faces $959,432 budget deficit with potential school staff cuts. Town Administrator Joseph Laydon reported the fiscal 2027 shortfall to the Selectboard, citing contractual increases, rising health care costs, and state aid constraints; health insurance has been supplemented from free cash rather than appropriations in recent years. School Superintendent Mr.
Marano warned that meeting the budget could require eliminating 30 to 38 positions, impacting class sizes and programs including innovation pathways and internships. The Board authorized deficit spending for snow and ice operations and unanimously approved support for a 55-plus senior housing project at 46 Depot Street with 58 units, 15 affordable at 80 percent area median income.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 429 words
Source: the Selectboard meeting of February 2, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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