SELECTBOARD FACES $4.7 MILLION BUDGET DEFICIT IN FY27 WORKSHOP
Bellingham faces $4.7 million budget deficit in FY27, with schools accounting for $3.1 million of the gap. The town's general fund deficit is $1.6 million; the town is contributing $400,000 to address schools. CFO Heidi Chuckran identified health insurance, which increased 39.58 percent, as the
Selectboard · Meeting of February 21, 2026
Bellingham faces $4.7 million budget deficit in FY27, with schools accounting for $3.1 million of the gap. The town's general fund deficit is $1.6 million; the town is contributing $400,000 to address schools. CFO Heidi Chuckran identified health insurance, which increased 39.58 percent, as the largest budget pressure.
Superintendent Peter Marano proposed eliminating middle school sports and cutting 15.8 teaching positions and 15.5 support staff to close the school shortfall. Fire Chief Miller noted calls increased 15 percent, with 70 percent being emergency medical services; Police Chief Fitzgerald reported a 9 percent increase in logged calls and staffing below recommended levels. Board members expressed reluctance to cut public safety departments.
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Source: the Selectboard meeting of February 21, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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