Southampton Boards Face $2.4 Million Gap, Eye Proposition 2½ Override for May

Select Board · Meeting of March 3, 2026

Southampton Select Board and Finance Committee confront a $2.4 million fiscal year 2027 budget gap with a Proposition 2½ override now under active planning. Town Accountant Scott told the joint session Tuesday that total projected revenue of approximately $22,155,000 falls roughly $2.4 million short of all departmental requests, driven by a health-insurance spike exceeding $400,000, a $300,000 jump in the Hampshire Regional School District assessment, and the loss of one-time ARPA funds. Norris Elementary School's anticipated restorative budget request of approximately $750,000, reversing cuts from a failed prior override, accounts for the single largest piece.

Finance Committee member Reggie warned that a $2.4 million ask "is going to be a really big ask" and that a smaller figure might have better odds of passage. The board also voted unanimously to exit the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust effective July 1, authorizing a five-year debt amortization for run-out liabilities that could range from $50,000 to $300,000, and approved a no-cost-to-the-town partnership with Mass Audubon for $18,900 toward a 40-acre land acquisition off Rattle Hill Road. Town Meeting is scheduled for May 2.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of March 3, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.