Oakham Finance Committee Holds Cemetery Budget at $9,900, Gap Stays at $131,000

OAKHAM -- April 1, 2026, Oakham Finance Committee leaves $131,000 budget shortfall unresolved after April 1 meeting. Finance Committee Chair Corey Packard and members Claire, Vinny, and remote member Dondra approved level funding of $9,900 for the Cemetery Commission after Cemetery Commission Chair Matt Brunel warned that cutting the budget would leave no margin for emergency tree work or headstone repairs, and that a single fallen tree could cost $40,000 to $60,000 to remediate. The committee also zeroed out Parks and Recreation and held the Conservation Commission at $500 total. Packard pushed back on community speculation that $250,000 in outstanding unpaid taxes could close the deficit, estimating realistic collections at 10 to 20 percent after legal costs: "I think it's hilarious that people think that is going to save our budget." The committee meets jointly with the Select Board on April 7, with the school budget, not yet finalized, expected to be the largest remaining variable in closing the gap.