By Carol Britton Meyer

Town Manager Jennifer Constable presented a fiscal 2027 budget overview this week to the select board during a meeting that was also attended by members of the advisory board.

CLICK HERE FOR THE TOWN MANAGER’S FULL PRESENTATION.

Constable said there is some uncertainty in the budget due to the projected – but as yet unconfirmed – roughly 10% increase in health insurance costs, unknown level of state aid, and other considerations.

The town’s revenue comes mostly from property taxes (about 72%), as well as state aid (about 14%), with the other funds derived from and excise taxes, ambulance receipts, and building permit fees.

Constable explained the fiscal calendar and process, and discussed the budget assumptions for the coming year; highlights of the current fiscal year; fiscal 2027 operational and capital expenditure updates – such as the closure of town hall, relocation of the senior center, and establishment of a capital stabilization fund – and the next steps, all leading up to the May annual town meeting, where voters will have the final say.

The fiscal 2027 process began with a tax rate classification hearing and a request for departmental budgets and capital proposals in November, followed by the beginning of budget and capital request meetings with department heads and capital improvement planning this month.

Constable will present the proposed fiscal 2027 municipal budget in January.

Fiscal 2027 expenses in addition to debt and increased health insurance costs relate to pension liabilities, one collective bargaining agreement, MBTA, charter school, and South Shore Regional Emergency Communications Center assessments, and capital projects.

Next year’s operational and capital expense expectations relate in part to staff increases – including two firefighter and also paramedic/EMT positions and an increase in staff hours for some departments on the operational side – and under “capital,” the closure of town hall for the most part, with some maintenance required – including a new roof; general government software; seawall repair and maintenance at Crescent Beach; public safety equipment and design for a proposed new public safety facility; relocation of the senior center; and increases to the general stabilization fund and establishing one for capital projects.

Next steps include continuing to refine the fiscal 2027 budget; development of a five-year capital improvement plan; department budget meetings with the advisory board and capital planning committee; and finalization of the budget request that will be presented to town meeting.

Fiscal 2026 highlights include capital improvement planning; work on a master plan for Hull; integrated town goals and objectives; infrastructure work; implementation of online permitting; successful completion of two collective bargaining agreements; and staff increases for the police department and library.

Advisory Board Chair Jason Frady, member David Clinton, and Constable encouraged widespread citizen participation in the budget process at the meeting.

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