Auburn board tables warrant votes over borrowing disputes
Select Board · Meeting of September 28, 2026
Auburn Select Board tables six warrant articles in borrowing-versus-free-cash standoff. Chair Anne M. Cavanaugh's board recommended approval of a $86,976,902 amended fiscal 2027 budget and a $548,527 fire department equipment package, both unanimous, but held a $150,000 Auburn High School field replacement, a $1.4 million Water Street culvert loan and four other articles after members objected to borrowing while the town holds more than $7 million in free cash.
Member Steve Chambers said "we shouldn't be seeing things come before us that are nice to have in an economic condition where we're borrowing money." The board also voted 3-1 to fund a $75,000 economic development plan update and split 4-1 on $150,000 each to the OPEB and stabilization funds. A citizens' petition to terminate the town's Flock Safety camera contract was held until a full board can meet, and resident Eric Richards pressed the board on a September 8 state Division of Local Services report alleging Chapter 44 violations tied to CFO Karen Harnois and the town manager.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 4,647 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of September 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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