Finance Panel Builds FY27 Budget Without Free Cash
Barre's Finance Committee began drafting a fiscal 2027 budget with no certified free cash available, citing unresolved fiscal 2024 audit discrepancies.
Finance Committee · Meeting of March 3, 2026
Barre's Finance Committee began drafting a fiscal 2027 budget with no certified free cash available, citing unresolved fiscal 2024 audit discrepancies. A town budget official said auditors "are not closing our audit until we satisfy all of the questions," delaying both the fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2025 closeouts. Water department presenter Todd said the water maintenance line jumped from $41,000 to $70,500 for hydrant and meter replacement, driven by state DEP pressure; officials said water and sewer rate increases take effect July 1, fiscal 2027.
The committee named a fire inspector position its top new budget priority, citing unmet inspection regulations, and said it hopes to avoid an override given the town's unresolved finances. No formal votes were taken.
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Source: the Finance Committee meeting of March 3, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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