On February 10, the Town Council held a public hearing on possible expenditure reductions in the current fiscal year, which continues through June 30, 2016.
The Town expects to receive approximately $1.08 million less in revenue than budgeted for this year, due primarily to a reduction in income taxes paid by Town residents as well as a mistake made by the State in assigning certain non-resident income tax revenue to the Town. Offsetting this amount, however, is approximately $650,000 in savings anticipated in a number of Town programs and services during this fiscal year. As a result, the Town expects to realize a deficit of approximately $350,000 in FY16.
In an effort to reduce this deficit, Council discussed possible budget cuts in certain Town programs and services, including sidewalk snow removal, special events, tree maintenance, police coverage, and legal counsel. The Town Council would like to receive feedback from residents about possible cuts in these and other areas. A complete copy of the Town’s operating and capital budget is available for review on the Town website and in the Town Office.