Finance Committee splits 3-2 on $11.7 million override budget

Select Board · Meeting of April 9, 2026

Rutland's Finance Committee split 3-2 on recommending the town's $11,675,498.43 override-contingent fiscal 2027 budget, while the Select Board voted unanimously to place it on the April 13 town meeting warrant ahead of an April 11 override election. The panels also declined to give a favorable recommendation to the $18,808,703 Wachusett Regional School District assessment, with member Darren Ross arguing "we're doing a disservice to this town" by not pushing back on school costs while 14 municipal positions face cuts. Town Administrator Heather said a reduced "cut budget" funded partly by an estimated $857,000 in free cash would take effect if the override fails at the polls.

Members also trimmed a $309,000 capital equipment article to $277,000, tabled a $575,000 borrowing article tied to pool repairs pending a Recreation Department repayment commitment, and reappropriated $94,766.52 in stale special-article balances to capital stabilization over one member's objection.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of April 9, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.