Hamilton Select Board Reviews Unbalanced FY27 Budget as Override Decision Looms

Select Board · Meeting of January 20, 2026

Hamilton Select Board confronts an unbalanced FY27 budget and a likely first operating override since 2009. Total proposed expenditures of $45,695,163 outpace projected revenue of $43,943,131, with the shortfall driven primarily by a $1.78 million increase in the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District assessment. Finance Director Wendy reported health insurance costs are projected to rise 16 to 22 percent, adding $288,000, while a new trash contract will cost $265,000 more than the current year.

The town projects up to $350,000 in first-year savings from regionalizing its emergency communications center and will not refill the deputy fire chief position. Select Board Chair John McGrath, joining by video, called the moment "seminal" and urged a joint working session of all five governing-body chairs before ballot language is due. Member Bill Wilson advocated separating school and town override articles on the April ballot, noting that a combined override failure could force approximately $600,000 to $650,000 in cuts from the town's operating budget alone.

A public commenter asked the board to review whether meals tax revenue directed to the Hamilton Development Corporation — potentially approaching $700,000 in accumulated assets — should be redirected to more urgent town needs.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of January 20, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.