Clinton Finance Committee Defers Budget Vote, Flags $200,000 Shortfall

CLINTON — May 4, 2026 — Clinton Finance Committee reviews a $200,000-short FY27 budget and defers final votes to May 12. Chair Erin led members through a revised line-by-line budget during the Monday session, flagging a $32,000 salary study and a proposal to bring the HR assistant from part-time to full-time as the two most contested items; informal sentiment left both in the budget, with the full-time position pending a read from the Select Board. The town carries $3.3 million in free cash, of which $500,000 to $700,000 is expected to flow into the stabilization fund. A $65,000 cash-funded town hall renovation and reduced fire overtime — down to $500,000 from $1 million — were among the changes already incorporated. The committee also unanimously approved a $1,000 staff stipend and a $14.40 newspaper notice fee for the May 21 budget public hearing, after which the budget is certified and locked until Town Meeting.