Finance Committee hears Wachusett budget could drop to 3.09%

Finance Committee · Meeting of March 18, 2026

Holden's Finance Committee heard that Wachusett's budget increase could fall from 4.44 percent to 3.09 percent. Superintendent Jim Riley and Finance Director Michelle Grise said a new health insurance funding arrangement could cut the appropriation by about $2 million and lower Holden's assessment increase from 5.93 percent to 3.9 percent. The change still needs conditions met with the district's Public Employee Committee, attorney review and School Committee approval.

Riley warned that a level-services budget next year would likely rise between 4.5 percent and 5.5 percent. Member Al said the savings amounted to $842,274 and planned to move to restore the library, senior center and an additional firefighter. The committee plans to take budget votes March 25.

In the full story:

• The Full Story
• Why It Matters
• Key Motions & Votes
• Source
• Holden's community access TV: Finance Committee meeting, March 18, 2026
• The complete report: 668 words

Source: the Finance Committee meeting of March 18, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.