Override Study Committee

CHARGE TO THE COMMITTEE

The Select Board established an Override Study Committee (OSC) on June 24, 2025 to evaluate and advise on whether another attempt at an operating tax override of Proposition 2½ shall be recommended to support the Town’s FY 2027 through FY 2029 budgets. The recommendation shall detail the amount of any override, its allocation and for how long it is intended to provide support until consideration of the next tax override.

The OSC shall be a temporary committee consisting of 8 members. The Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Select Board. The Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Select Board. The OSC shall include a member of the Select Board, a member of the School Committee, and a member of the Finance Advisory Board. The remaining 5 members shall be residents, appointed in such a way to balance the various interests of the community. Each Select Board member will select one interested resident. The Town Administrator and the Superintendent of Schools and their respective staff shall participate in the OSC process but shall not be members of the Committee. In the event of a tie vote within the committee, the Town Administrator shall cast the deciding vote. The Committee shall be chaired by the Finance & Advisory Board member.

The OSC shall complete the following tasks in connection with this Charge:

1. Review and evaluate the Town’s long-range forecast, budget projections, and Town Meeting-approved FY 2026 budget to understand the structural budget gap for FY 2026 through FY 2029.
2. Examine existing school enrollment projections and related cost analyses to understand the budgetary implications of enrollment growth.
3. Review analyses of potential non-override revenue sources, including previously identified options and their associated costs, feasibility, timing, and potential impacts.
4. Assess and summarize the findings of existing financial studies and budget analyses to support or question the need for a potential override vote.
5. Discussion regarding strategy with respect to ongoing collective bargaining or litigation that may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the Town shall be limited at the direction or guidance of the Town Administrator.
6. Summarize the projected impacts on Town and School programs under both successful and unsuccessful override scenarios, based on existing documentation.
7. Compile and help communicate the tax implications of the proposed override for taxpayers and residents, including both approval and rejection scenarios.

8. Support public engagement efforts as requested by the Select Board, including participation in forums or presentations.

The OSC shall submit a written report of its findings and recommendations, based on its review of existing data and analyses, no later than September 30,2025. As the Select Board determines, the Committee shall remain in place and participate in public forums to communicate its report and recommendations.