During what officials called a “Super Saturday” marathon meeting, the Finance Committee voted to approve all town and school budgets totaling $122.7 million, with at least 35-40 job cuts. The goal is to close the town’s $7.7 million deficit for fiscal 2027.
Select Board member Jim Zisson was the lone vote against the budget. Zisson said he visited several municipal buildings on March 27 to speak with employees whose jobs could be eliminated under the plan. He specifically objected to funding an unfilled clerk’s position in the Select Board’s office while cutting existing jobs.
“I would prefer to save one job and not fill an unfilled position,” Zisson said.
School cuts
The school district has reduced its FY26 level-services budget by $4 million to help close the deficit. Superintendent John Robidoux already announced more than 14 full-time layoffs, and that is before he and Assistant Superintendent Mike Pfifferling identify the final $1.5 million in reductions…