Select Board Approves Dozens of FY26 Budget Transfers
Barre board uncovers dozens of FY26 budget deficits, approves emergency transfers to stay compliant.
Select Board · Meeting of July 15, 2026
Barre board uncovers dozens of FY26 budget deficits, approves emergency transfers to stay compliant. Town Administrator Melanie Jackson told the Select Board and Finance Committee, meeting jointly, that the treasurer-collector's salary account ran $69,140 over budget and legal costs exceeded appropriations by $35,485, with two fire chief accounts combining for more than $26,500 over. Jackson said much of the mess traces to inconsistent prior-year payroll entries and a software conversion from SoftRight to VADAR.
Both bodies voted unanimously to approve the transfers. Chair Dr. Maureen Marshall defended recent staffing upheaval, saying "we've made some really fine and, I think, brave decisions." Earlier, the board unanimously approved a pouring-license alteration letting Stone Cow Distillery sell its own spirits, with a co-owner noting the business now employs roughly 62 people.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,784 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of July 15, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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